We failed to capitalize on opportunities: Mahesh Bhupathi
September 18, 2017
CHENNAI: It was again a case of so near yet so far for the Indian Davis Cup team. Even though they were pitted against a tough opponent like Canada in their backyard, captain Mahesh Bhupathi had set an achievable target ahead of the tie.
“We are not dreaming of 5-0. We are focussed on winning 3 out of the 5,” Bhupathi had said. But alas, his team lost the tie 2-3.
“We are definitely disappointed,” Bhupathi told TOI from Edmonton after the tie. “We came so close to making it to the World Group but we failed again. It was those missed chances throughout the tie that cost us. At this stage if you don’t grab every little opportunity you get, you will have to pay dearly. And till we sort this out, there will be a huge gap between India and the best.”
India’s top singles player Ramkumar Ramanathan had kick-started their campaign on a high note winning the first rubber against Brayden Schnur 5-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-5. Yuki Bhambri fought tooth and nail against teen sensation Denis Shapovalov but went down in 5 sets. Canada took lead against India when doubles duo Rohan Bopanna and Purav Raja went down rather meekly to Daniel Nestor and Vasek Pospisil.
