The draw formalities for India's Davis Cup World Group play-off that begins here on Friday was performed by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, at the SDAT Tennis Stadium here.
“We have come a long way from the days of wooden stands and temporary clay courts. Now we have the most modern facilities. I especially congratulate Leander Paes for completing 21 years of playing at the Davis Cup,” the Chief Minister said, before posing with a virulently yellow tennis racquet and drawing out Thomaz Bellucci's name to decide the order of play.
M.A. Alagappan, President, TNTA, thanked the Chief Minister and his Government for promoting sport in the State.
“We have a great tennis stadium, but now it needs to be upgraded. I request the authorities to look into the matter,” he said.
Those present included Jorge Rosa, President, Brazilian Tennis Federation, Karti P. Chidambaram, Vice President, TNTA, Sharad Sharma, Country head, BNP Paribas (the official sponsor), Anil Khanna, Secretary-General, AITA, and Javier Moreno, Chief referee.
