Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue.

"Following a review of the latest advice given by the ITF`s independent security advisors, the Davis Cup Committee has taken the decision that the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie between Pakistan and India on 29-30 November 2019, must be played at a neutral venue," the ITF said in a statement.

"The ITF and Davis Cup Committee`s first priority has always been the safety of athletes, officials and spectators and the decision was made on this basis," it added.

The Asia/Oceania Group I tie originally scheduled for September 14-15 in Islamabad was postponed by the ITF to November 29-30 following a security review.

Earlier, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) had written to the ITF to shift the venue of the tournament from Pakistan or postpone the tournament for some time.

The letter was written after India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-abrogation-of-article-370-here-are-the-reactions-240942">abrogated Article 370</a>, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This led India to political tensions between India and Pakistan.

As per the Davis Cup Regulations, the Pakistan Tennis Federation now has the choice to nominate a neutral venue and has five working days to confirm their proposed venue.

The venue will be announced once the choice has been submitted and approved.

Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue.

Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue. "Following a review of the latest advice given by the ITF`s independent security advisors, the Davis Cup Committee has taken the decision that the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie between Pakistan and India on 29-30 November 2019, must be played at a neutral venue," the ITF said in a statement. "The ITF and Davis Cup Committee`s first priority has always been the safety of athletes, officials and spectators and the decision was made on this basis," it added. The Asia/Oceania Group I tie originally scheduled for September 14-15 in Islamabad was postponed by the ITF to November 29-30 following a security review. Earlier, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) had written to the ITF to shift the venue of the tournament from Pakistan or postpone the tournament for some time. The letter was written after India abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This led India to political tensions between India and Pakistan. As per the Davis Cup Regulations, the Pakistan Tennis Federation now has the choice to nominate a neutral venue and has five working days to confirm their proposed venue. The venue will be announced once the choice has been submitted and approved.

India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie shifted to neutral venue

India's Davis Cup tie against Pakistan at Islamabad will begin on either Nov. 29 or Nov. 30, but only after the security situation is reviewed, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said on Friday.

AITA wrote to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) last month asking them to move the tie, initially scheduled to take place on Sept. 14-15, to a neutral venue or postpone it until political tensions simmered down between the bitter neighbours.

The ITF agreed to postpone the tie to November under "exceptional circumstances" after a security review.

"The India vs Pakistan Davis Cup Tie will take place at Islamabad either on Nov. 29-30 or Nov. 30-Dec. 1," AITA said in a statement.

"However, the security situation will be reviewed on 4th November whether the tie can be held in Islamabad or to be shifted to a neutral venue."

Pakistan were forced to host Davis Cup ties at neutral venues for more than a decade as teams refused to travel to the country citing security concerns.

They played their first home tie after a gap of 12 years against Iran in 2017, while Hong Kong were relegated and fined by the ITF after they refused to travel to Pakistan the same year.

India's Davis Cup tie against Pakistan at Islamabad will begin on either Nov. 29 or Nov. 30, but only after the security situation is reviewed, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said on Friday.

India's Davis Cup tie against Pakistan at Islamabad will begin on either Nov. 29 or Nov. 30, but only after the security situation is reviewed, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said on Friday. AITA wrote to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) last month asking them to move the tie, initially scheduled to take place on Sept. 14-15, to a neutral venue or postpone it until political tensions simmered down between the bitter neighbours. The ITF agreed to postpone the tie to November under "exceptional circumstances" after a security review. "The India vs Pakistan Davis Cup Tie will take place at Islamabad either on Nov. 29-30 or Nov. 30-Dec. 1," AITA said in a statement. "However, the security situation will be reviewed on 4th November whether the tie can be held in Islamabad or to be shifted to a neutral venue." Pakistan were forced to host Davis Cup ties at neutral venues for more than a decade as teams refused to travel to the country citing security concerns. They played their first home tie after a gap of 12 years against Iran in 2017, while Hong Kong were relegated and fined by the ITF after they refused to travel to Pakistan the same year.

New dates announced for India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie

Indian tennis legend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-tennis-players-jittery-over-pakistan-tour-captain-mahesh-bhupathi-asks-for-details-of-security-arrangement-239528">Mahesh Bhupathi in a letter to the All India Tennis Association</a> (AITA) has mentioned that the Indian players do not want to travel to Pakistan for their Davis Cup tie against the neighbouring country due to security fears.&nbsp;

India are scheduled to play the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie in the Pakistani capital on&nbsp;September 14 and 15.

WION has in its possession the letter written by Bhupathi in which he clearly states that most players do not feel safe due to the current political tensions between the two countries in the aftermath of the scrapping of the Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"I am speaking on behalf of the team to officially put on record that most, if not all the boys on the team "DO NOT" want to go to Pakistan in these circumstances," wrote Bhupathi to AITA secretary Hironmoy Chatterjee on August 12.&nbsp;

"We do not feel safe regardless of what a security agency hired by the ITF feels," the letter further said.&nbsp;

Bhupathi has also urged the&nbsp;AITA&nbsp;to ask the players individually and&nbsp;ascertain their thoughts. He&nbsp;also requested for a "neutral venue".&nbsp;

"I still urge you to put in a request to the ITF asap for a change of venue since we do not feel safe," added Bhupathi in the letter.&nbsp;

The 12-time doubles grand slam winner had earlier written to AITA expressing reservations over touring to Pakistan and had demanded security guarantees.&nbsp;

On the request of the venue change, International Tennis Federation (ITF) had said earlier in a statement that it was satisfied with Pakistan's security plan for the event.&nbsp;

Watch the video that has details of Bhupathi's&nbsp;letter:

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"We are working closely with the host nation and independent expert security advisors — the ITF is satisfied with their current security assessment of the site and the security plan in place," the world body had said.

"The overall security risk rating for Pakistan has not changed, however, we will continue to monitor the situation closely with our advisors," it added.

AITA has asked the world body to conduct a fresh assessment due to the changed situation between India and Pakistan but the ITF has insisted that it is happy with the current security assessment.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's sports minister Kiren Rijiju said the government would not prevent the team from playing the Davis Cup tie in Pakistan as it is not a bilateral event.&nbsp;

Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi in a letter to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) has mentioned that the Indian players do not want to travel to Pakistan for their Davis Cup tie against the neighbouring country due to security fears.

Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi in a letter to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) has mentioned that the Indian players do not want to travel to Pakistan for their Davis Cup tie against the neighbouring country due to security fears. India are scheduled to play the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie in the Pakistani capital on September 14 and 15. WION has in its possession the letter written by Bhupathi in which he clearly states that most players do not feel safe due to the current political tensions between the two countries in the aftermath of the scrapping of the Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. "I am speaking on behalf of the team to officially put on record that most, if not all the boys on the team "DO NOT" want to go to Pakistan in these circumstances," wrote Bhupathi to AITA secretary Hironmoy Chatterjee on August 12. "We do not feel safe regardless of what a security agency hired by the ITF feels," the letter further said. Bhupathi has also urged the AITA to ask the players individually and ascertain their thoughts. He also requested for a "neutral venue". "I still urge you to put in a request to the ITF asap for a change of venue since we do not feel safe," added Bhupathi in the letter. The 12-time doubles grand slam winner had earlier written to AITA expressing reservations over touring to Pakistan and had demanded security guarantees. On the request of the venue change, International Tennis Federation (ITF) had said earlier in a statement that it was satisfied with Pakistan's security plan for the event. Watch the video that has details of Bhupathi's letter: × "We are working closely with the host nation and independent expert security advisors — the ITF is satisfied with their current security assessment of the site and the security plan in place," the world body had said. "The overall security risk rating for Pakistan has not changed, however, we will continue to monitor the situation closely with our advisors," it added. AITA has asked the world body to conduct a fresh assessment due to the changed situation between India and Pakistan but the ITF has insisted that it is happy with the current security assessment. Meanwhile, India's sports minister Kiren Rijiju said the government would not prevent the team from playing the Davis Cup tie in Pakistan as it is not a bilateral event.

Davis Cup: Mahesh Bhupathi again writes to AITA, says most players 'do not want' to tour Pakistan

Mahesh Bhupathi has asked AITA to individually contact the players to ascertain their thoughts

Davis Cup: Indian players refuse to tour Pakistan

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-bill-will-be-a-reality-soon-says-kiren-rijiju-242202">Kiren Rijiju has said</a> that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies.

His remarks came after All India Tennis Association's (AITA) decision to travel to Pakistan to take part in the upcoming Davis Cup.

"I have already made it clear. Any bilateral match with Pakistan will have to get clearance from the government but if it is a multilateral event organised by international bodies then we cannot take our own isolated stand. We have to be very clear," Rijiju told reporters at an event.

However, Rijiju also remarked that any bilateral event between the two countries will require a political sanction.

"Any bilateral match with Pakistan must have a political sanction, otherwise I just cannot go on commenting on every match. The security issue is completely different from the issue of the game," Rijiju said.

On August 5, India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament.

The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed which converted Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) and after this decision, Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India.

Seeing the downgrading of diplomatic ties, AITA Secretary-General Hironmoy Chatterjee had said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will decide whether India plays against Pakistan or not.

"Idea is, for ITF to see the situation is conducive or not. Let the ITF decide on the situation primarily, if they find the situation is very sensitive as Pakistan have severed all diplomatic ties with India, then they will not issue a visa. If they do not issue the visa, so how would we go there. In that case, Pakistan will get penalised and the tie will get shifted to a neutral venue," Chatterjee had told ANI.

The Indian team is scheduled to travel Pakistan for the first time in 55 years to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie at Islamabad on September 14 and 15.

Chatterjee said that if India opts out of playing against Pakistan, it will invite penalty. He added that if Pakistan does not issue visas to the players they will be unable to travel.

"We don't want to be in a situation where we will say that we don't want to go. It is too early to say anything, the situation has become a bit tense after the scrapping of Article 370. We are going to go through the process," Chatterjee had said.

Chatterjee had added that the AITA is also gathering information from the players for the visa application of Pakistan.

"Regarding this, we did not have any meeting, we need to put in an application and we are gathering the information for the application of visa as the players are playing in different competitions around the world," Chatterjee had said.

AITA on August 5 had announced Mahesh Bhupathi as the skipper for the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie on September 14 and 15 in Islamabad.

Six players were named by the association, who will be taking part in Davis Cup. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Sasi Kumar Mukund were all named in the lineup.

Mukund was named as the reserve and Zeeshan Ali was announced as the coach of the team.

The Davis Cup draw was rolled out in February this year, but after the Pulwama attack on February 14, chances of the Indian tennis team touring Pakistan looked bleak.

The Indian cricket team had last toured Pakistan in 2007, and after that, no team across any sport has toured Pakistan.

India last played Pakistan in the Davis Cup in 2006 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, in which the hosts managed to register a 3-2 win to take India's head-to-head tally against Pakistan to 6-0.

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju has said that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies.

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju has said that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies. His remarks came after All India Tennis Association's (AITA) decision to travel to Pakistan to take part in the upcoming Davis Cup. "I have already made it clear. Any bilateral match with Pakistan will have to get clearance from the government but if it is a multilateral event organised by international bodies then we cannot take our own isolated stand. We have to be very clear," Rijiju told reporters at an event. However, Rijiju also remarked that any bilateral event between the two countries will require a political sanction. "Any bilateral match with Pakistan must have a political sanction, otherwise I just cannot go on commenting on every match. The security issue is completely different from the issue of the game," Rijiju said. On August 5, India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament. The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed which converted Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) and after this decision, Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India. Seeing the downgrading of diplomatic ties, AITA Secretary-General Hironmoy Chatterjee had said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will decide whether India plays against Pakistan or not. "Idea is, for ITF to see the situation is conducive or not. Let the ITF decide on the situation primarily, if they find the situation is very sensitive as Pakistan have severed all diplomatic ties with India, then they will not issue a visa. If they do not issue the visa, so how would we go there. In that case, Pakistan will get penalised and the tie will get shifted to a neutral venue," Chatterjee had told ANI. The Indian team is scheduled to travel Pakistan for the first time in 55 years to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie at Islamabad on September 14 and 15. Chatterjee said that if India opts out of playing against Pakistan, it will invite penalty. He added that if Pakistan does not issue visas to the players they will be unable to travel. "We don't want to be in a situation where we will say that we don't want to go. It is too early to say anything, the situation has become a bit tense after the scrapping of Article 370. We are going to go through the process," Chatterjee had said. Chatterjee had added that the AITA is also gathering information from the players for the visa application of Pakistan. "Regarding this, we did not have any meeting, we need to put in an application and we are gathering the information for the application of visa as the players are playing in different competitions around the world," Chatterjee had said. AITA on August 5 had announced Mahesh Bhupathi as the skipper for the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie on September 14 and 15 in Islamabad. Six players were named by the association, who will be taking part in Davis Cup. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Sasi Kumar Mukund were all named in the lineup. Mukund was named as the reserve and Zeeshan Ali was announced as the coach of the team. The Davis Cup draw was rolled out in February this year, but after the Pulwama attack on February 14, chances of the Indian tennis team touring Pakistan looked bleak. The Indian cricket team had last toured Pakistan in 2007, and after that, no team across any sport has toured Pakistan. India last played Pakistan in the Davis Cup in 2006 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, in which the hosts managed to register a 3-2 win to take India's head-to-head tally against Pakistan to 6-0.

Cannot take isolated stand in multilateral events: Sports minister Kiren Rijiju

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju has said that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies.

His remarks came after All India Tennis Association's (AITA) decision to travel to Pakistan to take part in the upcoming Davis Cup.

"I have already made it clear. Any bilateral match with Pakistan will have to get clearance from the government but if it is a multilateral event organised by international bodies then we cannot take our own isolated stand. We have to be very clear," Rijiju told reporters at an event.

However, Rijiju also remarked that any bilateral event between the two countries will require a political sanction."Any bilateral match with Pakistan must have a political sanction, otherwise, I just cannot go on commenting on every match. The security issue is completely different from the issue of the game," Rijiju said.

On August 5, India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament.

The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed which converted Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) and after this decision, Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India.

Seeing the downgrading of diplomatic ties, AITA Secretary-General Hironmoy Chatterjee had said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will decide whether India plays against Pakistan or not.

"Idea is, for ITF to see the situation is conducive or not. Let the ITF decide on the situation primarily, if they find the situation is very sensitive as Pakistan have severed all diplomatic ties with India, then they will not issue a visa. If they do not issue the visa, so how would we go there. In that case, Pakistan will get penalised and the tie will get shifted to a neutral venue," Chatterjee had told ANI.

The Indian team is scheduled to travel Pakistan for the first time in 55 years to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie at Islamabad on September 14 and 15.

Chatterjee said that if India opts out of playing against Pakistan, it will invite penalty. He added that if Pakistan does not issue visas to the players they will be unable to travel.

"We don`t want to be in a situation where we will say that we don`t want to go. It is too early to say anything, the situation has become a bit tense after the scrapping of Article 370. We are going to go through the process," Chatterjee had said.

Chatterjee had added that the AITA is also gathering information from the players for the visa application of Pakistan.

"Regarding this, we did not have any meeting, we need to put in an application and we are gathering the information for the application of visa as the players are playing in different competitions around the world," Chatterjee had said.AITA on August 5 had announced Mahesh Bhupathi as the skipper for the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie on September 14 and 15 in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Six players were named by the association, who will be taking part in Davis Cup. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Sasi Kumar Mukund were all named in the lineup.

Mukund was named as the reserve and Zeeshan Ali was announced as the coach of the team.

The Davis Cup draw was rolled out in February this year, but after the Pulwama attack on February 14, chances of the Indian tennis team touring Pakistan looked bleak.

The Indian cricket team had last toured Pakistan in 2007, and after that, no team across any sport has toured Pakistan.

India last played Pakistan in the Davis Cup in 2006 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, in which the hosts managed to register a 3-2 win to take India`s head-to-head tally against Pakistan to 6-0.

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju has said that an isolated stand cannot be taken when it comes to multilateral events organised by international bodies. His remarks came after All India Tennis Association's (AITA) decision to travel to Pakistan to take part in the upcoming Davis Cup. "I have already made it clear. Any bilateral match with Pakistan will have to get clearance from the government but if it is a multilateral event organised by international bodies then we cannot take our own isolated stand. We have to be very clear," Rijiju told reporters at an event. However, Rijiju also remarked that any bilateral event between the two countries will require a political sanction."Any bilateral match with Pakistan must have a political sanction, otherwise, I just cannot go on commenting on every match. The security issue is completely different from the issue of the game," Rijiju said. On August 5, India abrogated Article 370 which accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after a resolution regarding the same was passed in both houses of the Parliament. The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill 2019 was also passed which converted Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature) and after this decision, Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India. Seeing the downgrading of diplomatic ties, AITA Secretary-General Hironmoy Chatterjee had said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will decide whether India plays against Pakistan or not. "Idea is, for ITF to see the situation is conducive or not. Let the ITF decide on the situation primarily, if they find the situation is very sensitive as Pakistan have severed all diplomatic ties with India, then they will not issue a visa. If they do not issue the visa, so how would we go there. In that case, Pakistan will get penalised and the tie will get shifted to a neutral venue," Chatterjee had told ANI. The Indian team is scheduled to travel Pakistan for the first time in 55 years to participate in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tie at Islamabad on September 14 and 15. Chatterjee said that if India opts out of playing against Pakistan, it will invite penalty. He added that if Pakistan does not issue visas to the players they will be unable to travel. "We don`t want to be in a situation where we will say that we don`t want to go. It is too early to say anything, the situation has become a bit tense after the scrapping of Article 370. We are going to go through the process," Chatterjee had said. Chatterjee had added that the AITA is also gathering information from the players for the visa application of Pakistan. "Regarding this, we did not have any meeting, we need to put in an application and we are gathering the information for the application of visa as the players are playing in different competitions around the world," Chatterjee had said.AITA on August 5 had announced Mahesh Bhupathi as the skipper for the India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie on September 14 and 15 in Islamabad. Six players were named by the association, who will be taking part in Davis Cup. Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Saketh Myneni, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan and Sasi Kumar Mukund were all named in the lineup. Mukund was named as the reserve and Zeeshan Ali was announced as the coach of the team. The Davis Cup draw was rolled out in February this year, but after the Pulwama attack on February 14, chances of the Indian tennis team touring Pakistan looked bleak. The Indian cricket team had last toured Pakistan in 2007, and after that, no team across any sport has toured Pakistan. India last played Pakistan in the Davis Cup in 2006 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, in which the hosts managed to register a 3-2 win to take India`s head-to-head tally against Pakistan to 6-0.

Cannot take an isolated stand in multilateral events: Kiren Rijiju 

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that&nbsp;Sports Bill will be a reality soon and added that he will ensure that it covers all sports bodies.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION,&nbsp;Rijiju also spoke at length about Davis Cup.&nbsp;

He said that for any bilateral sporting event with Pakistan, permission is required from the government but for any multilateral international sports activity, the government does not have any leverage as India is a signatory to international sporting regulations like Olympic Charter.&nbsp;

"Davis Cup is not a bilateral event, we must understand this," he added.&nbsp;

Davis Cup is expected to take place in Pakistan and the situation has become more complicated after Pakistan immaturely reacted to India's move to do away with article 370.

The minister also said that Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry would organise special events for two newly created Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.&nbsp;

"I would organise national integration camps in Jammu and Kashmir and better sports infrastructure would be provided in Ladakh. I have also decided to recognise ice hockey for Ladakh," said Rijiju.

Watch:&nbsp;Youth camps will be organised in Kashmir valley, says Kiren Rijiju to WION

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kiren-rijiju-youth-camps-will-be-organised-in-kashmir-valley-wion-exclusive-242082/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He expressed his disappointment over the dropping of shooting from next Commonwealth Games and said his ministry will need to finalise its stand soon.

"We are disappointed by the decision but at the same time, we need to ensure that other sports do not suffer. I'm going to call a meeting on this issue very soon," he said.&nbsp;

Rijiju also spoke on the fitness campaign, the government is going to launch by the end of this month. He said that sports and fitness go hand in hand and by this campaign, the government wants to ensure that people at large adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Cricket coming under NADA &nbsp;is a 'welcome move', he added.&nbsp;

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that Sports Bill will be a reality soon and added that he will ensure that it covers all sports bodies. Speaking exclusively to WION, Rijiju also spoke at length about Davis Cup.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that Sports Bill will be a reality soon and added that he will ensure that it covers all sports bodies. Speaking exclusively to WION, Rijiju also spoke at length about Davis Cup. He said that for any bilateral sporting event with Pakistan, permission is required from the government but for any multilateral international sports activity, the government does not have any leverage as India is a signatory to international sporting regulations like Olympic Charter. "Davis Cup is not a bilateral event, we must understand this," he added. Davis Cup is expected to take place in Pakistan and the situation has become more complicated after Pakistan immaturely reacted to India's move to do away with article 370. The minister also said that Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry would organise special events for two newly created Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. "I would organise national integration camps in Jammu and Kashmir and better sports infrastructure would be provided in Ladakh. I have also decided to recognise ice hockey for Ladakh," said Rijiju. Watch: Youth camps will be organised in Kashmir valley, says Kiren Rijiju to WION He expressed his disappointment over the dropping of shooting from next Commonwealth Games and said his ministry will need to finalise its stand soon. "We are disappointed by the decision but at the same time, we need to ensure that other sports do not suffer. I'm going to call a meeting on this issue very soon," he said. Rijiju also spoke on the fitness campaign, the government is going to launch by the end of this month. He said that sports and fitness go hand in hand and by this campaign, the government wants to ensure that people at large adopt a healthy lifestyle. Cricket coming under NADA is a 'welcome move', he added.

Sports Bill will be a reality soon, says Kiren Rijiju to WION

India have asked the International Tennis Federation to shift their upcoming Davis Cup tie from Pakistan to a neutral venue due to escalating political tensions between the two nations.

India have asked the International Tennis Federation to shift their upcoming Davis Cup tie from Pakistan to a neutral venue due to escalating political tensions between the two nations. The Indian team are scheduled to tour Pakistan's capital Islamabad for the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie to be held on September 14 and 15. But relations between the neighbours are badly strained after India revoked the special autonomy status of Jammu and Kashmir. "We have asked ITF for a neutral venue because the situation is a bit unpredictable," All India Tennis Association (AITA) president Praveen Mahajan told AFP on Sunday. "I believe it is a reasonable request because of the current state of affairs." The AITA was preparing to send its team to Pakistan despite suspended sporting ties between the two countries but the Kashmir situation has raised fresh doubts. An Indian tennis team last toured Pakistan in 1964 for the Davis Cup, where they defeated the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they toured Mumbai in 2006. Until a few years ago, Pakistan were forced to host home Davis Cup ties at neutral venues as teams refused to travel to the South Asian nation over security concerns. "I am hopeful they will shift the tie because Pakistan is used to playing in neutral venues," Mahajan said. "ITF will respond to our request shortly, sometime this week." Pakistan Tennis Federation president Salim Saifullah Khan had earlier said they would honour the decision of the ITF if the AITA sought a neutral venue. India named a full strength squad for the crucial tie with the country's highest-ranked players in Prajnesh Gunneswaran (90) and Ramkumar Ramanathan (184) to play the four singles matches.

Davis Cup: All India Tennis Association ask for neutral venue

The Indian tennis team's proposed trip to Islamabad to play the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 1 tie in September has run into rough weather.

Indian tennis players jittery over Pakistan tour

India's tennis team will travel to Pakistan for their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatia-captain-zeljko-krajan-hails-his-davis-cup-dream-team-179511">Davis Cup</a> tie, the country's governing body chief confirmed Monday, despite strained relations between the nations.

Sporting ties between the two nuclear-armed countries, which have fought three wars since gaining independence from the British in 1947, are frozen with India accusing Pakistan of exporting terror.

Long-running political tensions were heightened in February after a deadly suicide attack -- claimed by a militant group based in Pakistan -- in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 40 Indian troops.&nbsp;

But the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said the government had no issues with the players crossing the border for the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie to be held on September 14 and 15.

"Yes, they are set to tour Pakistan," AITA president Praveen Mahajan told AFP. "We informed the government about it and they were OK with it.

"We did not require clearance from them because it is an international event but we do not do anything without asking the government."

India cut bilateral cricket ties with its neighbour after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, with authorities blaming Pakistani militants.

Some Indian fans and ex-players called for the team to boycott its recent cricket World Cup match against Pakistan. After India's victory, a top minister described the triumph as "another strike" on enemy territory.

An Indian team last toured Pakistan in 1964 for the Davis Cup, where they defeated the hosts 4-0.

Pakistan lost 3-2 when they toured Mumbai in 2006.

Until a few years ago, Pakistan was forced to host its home Davis Cup ties at neutral venues as teams refused to travel to the South Asian nation over security concerns.

But Mahajan said India has not demanded any "special security" arrangements for the upcoming tie to be played at the grass courts of the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.

India is likely to announce their touring squad in the first week of August. 
&nbsp;

India's tennis team will travel to Pakistan for their Davis Cup tie, the country's governing body chief confirmed Monday, despite strained relations between the nations.

India's tennis team will travel to Pakistan for their Davis Cup tie, the country's governing body chief confirmed Monday, despite strained relations between the nations. Sporting ties between the two nuclear-armed countries, which have fought three wars since gaining independence from the British in 1947, are frozen with India accusing Pakistan of exporting terror. Long-running political tensions were heightened in February after a deadly suicide attack -- claimed by a militant group based in Pakistan -- in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 40 Indian troops. But the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said the government had no issues with the players crossing the border for the Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie to be held on September 14 and 15. "Yes, they are set to tour Pakistan," AITA president Praveen Mahajan told AFP. "We informed the government about it and they were OK with it. "We did not require clearance from them because it is an international event but we do not do anything without asking the government." India cut bilateral cricket ties with its neighbour after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, with authorities blaming Pakistani militants. Some Indian fans and ex-players called for the team to boycott its recent cricket World Cup match against Pakistan. After India's victory, a top minister described the triumph as "another strike" on enemy territory. An Indian team last toured Pakistan in 1964 for the Davis Cup, where they defeated the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they toured Mumbai in 2006. Until a few years ago, Pakistan was forced to host its home Davis Cup ties at neutral venues as teams refused to travel to the South Asian nation over security concerns. But Mahajan said India has not demanded any "special security" arrangements for the upcoming tie to be played at the grass courts of the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad. India is likely to announce their touring squad in the first week of August.

India to travel to Pakistan for Davis Cup tie

Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic has denied compatriot Lleyton Hewitt's allegations that he had made threats against the former world number one and his family, local media reported on Friday.

Davis Cup captain Hewitt told reporters at Melbourne Park late on Thursday that he had banned Tomic from playing in the Australian team after receiving physical and verbal threats, including "blackmail", from the 26-year-old.

World number 88 Tomic returned serve on Friday, describing Hewitt as a "liar".

"I have never threatened his family," Tomic told News Corp Australia.

"Nice, Lleyton. To think how low of a person you actually (are) and (it's) why the Australian public never liked you.

"I got nothing to do with your family and I don't care what's wrong with you, you liar."

Tomic triggered the war of words after being dumped from the Australian Open first round.

At his post-match media conference, he called for twice Grand Slam champion Hewitt to be replaced as Davis Cup captain and accused him of favouritism in the awarding of wildcards to the Australian men's players in the draw.

Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic has denied compatriot Lleyton Hewitt's allegations that he had made threats against the former world number one and his family, local media reported on Friday.

Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic has denied compatriot Lleyton Hewitt's allegations that he had made threats against the former world number one and his family, local media reported on Friday. Davis Cup captain Hewitt told reporters at Melbourne Park late on Thursday that he had banned Tomic from playing in the Australian team after receiving physical and verbal threats, including "blackmail", from the 26-year-old. World number 88 Tomic returned serve on Friday, describing Hewitt as a "liar". "I have never threatened his family," Tomic told News Corp Australia. "Nice, Lleyton. To think how low of a person you actually (are) and (it's) why the Australian public never liked you. "I got nothing to do with your family and I don't care what's wrong with you, you liar." Tomic triggered the war of words after being dumped from the Australian Open first round. At his post-match media conference, he called for twice Grand Slam champion Hewitt to be replaced as Davis Cup captain and accused him of favouritism in the awarding of wildcards to the Australian men's players in the draw.

Tomic denies Hewitt allegations, calls him 'liar': Report

The inaugural edition of the $15 million ATP Cup men's team event will be hosted in Sydney, Brisbane and one other city in the lead-up up to the Australian Open next January, Tennis Australia announced on Monday (January 7).

Sydney, which will host the final, announced a $50.5 million ($36 million) upgrade of the Olympic Tennis Centre venue on Friday (January 4), which includes putting a roof on the main showcourt. Perth, which has hosted the mixed team Hopman Cup for the last 30 years, and Adelaide are the other cities likely to be in the running to host the group stage of the event.

The 24-team tournament is seen as a threat to the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) revamped 18-nation Davis Cup competition starting in Madrid in November.

The new ATP event also has major implications for the other men's and mixed events in Australia and further afield that have traditionally been used by players to prepare for the year's first grand slam at Melbourne Park.

The inaugural edition of the $15 million ATP Cup men's team event will be hosted in Sydney, Brisbane and one other city in the lead-up up to the Australian Open next January, Tennis Australia announced on Monday (January 7).

The inaugural edition of the $15 million ATP Cup men's team event will be hosted in Sydney, Brisbane and one other city in the lead-up up to the Australian Open next January, Tennis Australia announced on Monday (January 7). Sydney, which will host the final, announced a $50.5 million ($36 million) upgrade of the Olympic Tennis Centre venue on Friday (January 4), which includes putting a roof on the main showcourt. Perth, which has hosted the mixed team Hopman Cup for the last 30 years, and Adelaide are the other cities likely to be in the running to host the group stage of the event. The 24-team tournament is seen as a threat to the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) revamped 18-nation Davis Cup competition starting in Madrid in November. The new ATP event also has major implications for the other men's and mixed events in Australia and further afield that have traditionally been used by players to prepare for the year's first grand slam at Melbourne Park.

ATP Cup men's team event goes to Sydney and Brisbane

Croatia captain Zeljko Krajan hailed his "dream team" after Marin Cilic sealed a second Davis Cup title for the Balkan nation by beating France's Lucas Pouille on Sunday.

Just as he was on Friday against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 30-year-old world number seven was in commanding form to crush Pouille 7-6(3) 6-3 6-3 to give the Croats a winning 3-1 lead.

He did not drop a set in his two singles while Croatian number two Borna Coric had given the favourites a flying start on Friday with an easy win over Jeremy Chardy.

Neither Cilic nor Coric dropped serve all weekend as Croatia emulated the 2005 side which beat Slovakia in the final.

"This is the one of the best teams we've ever had -- it's like a dream team," Krajan said. "After seven years on the bench (as captain) it's an honour for me to be here.

"My singles players not only didn't lose a set, they didn't lose serve in three matches which is an unbelievable achievement and shows you the quality that we produced."

Victory was especially sweet for Cilic who had bitter memories of the 2016 final against Argentina to banish.

In that match in Zagreb, he was two sets to the good against Juan Martin del Potro and required just one more set to give Croatia a match-winning 3-1 lead.

Del Potro battled back to win in five before Federico Delbonis beat Ivo Karlovic to give Argentina victory.

"I always sleep well," the 30-year-old Cilic, who made his debut in 2006, said, when asked whether that Del Potro defeat occasionally kept him awake at night.

"I'm just proud of the team today after everything we've been through. "This is definitely one of the best moments of my career. There was a lot of pressure but I played a hell of a match today and deservedly won."

Cilic said the fact that the final was the last in the competition's current guise added to the joy.

"It's historic," he said. "I have been part of this team since 2006. I have seen a few generations of players, I have seen a lot of tennis, a lot of wins, a lot of matches lost too.

"It's amazing to finish a chapter of this kind with the way we played and the atmosphere that was in the team."

France captain Yannick Noah, who will step down from his third stint in charge, said his team had been outplayed as they failed in their bid to win the title two years in succession.

"The guys did the maximum," Noah said. "Sometimes the bar is too high. That's my feeling.

"We lost to a better team. We did everything we could to be at this level with the Croatian team. We just went to their locker-room to congratulate them. I think they're beautiful winners and they deserve it."

Croatia captain Zeljko Krajan hailed his "dream team" after Marin Cilic sealed a second Davis Cup title for the Balkan nation by beating France's Lucas Pouille on Sunday.

Croatia captain Zeljko Krajan hailed his "dream team" after Marin Cilic sealed a second Davis Cup title for the Balkan nation by beating France's Lucas Pouille on Sunday. Just as he was on Friday against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 30-year-old world number seven was in commanding form to crush Pouille 7-6(3) 6-3 6-3 to give the Croats a winning 3-1 lead. He did not drop a set in his two singles while Croatian number two Borna Coric had given the favourites a flying start on Friday with an easy win over Jeremy Chardy. Neither Cilic nor Coric dropped serve all weekend as Croatia emulated the 2005 side which beat Slovakia in the final. "This is the one of the best teams we've ever had -- it's like a dream team," Krajan said. "After seven years on the bench (as captain) it's an honour for me to be here. "My singles players not only didn't lose a set, they didn't lose serve in three matches which is an unbelievable achievement and shows you the quality that we produced." Victory was especially sweet for Cilic who had bitter memories of the 2016 final against Argentina to banish. In that match in Zagreb, he was two sets to the good against Juan Martin del Potro and required just one more set to give Croatia a match-winning 3-1 lead. Del Potro battled back to win in five before Federico Delbonis beat Ivo Karlovic to give Argentina victory. "I always sleep well," the 30-year-old Cilic, who made his debut in 2006, said, when asked whether that Del Potro defeat occasionally kept him awake at night. "I'm just proud of the team today after everything we've been through. "This is definitely one of the best moments of my career. There was a lot of pressure but I played a hell of a match today and deservedly won." Cilic said the fact that the final was the last in the competition's current guise added to the joy. "It's historic," he said. "I have been part of this team since 2006. I have seen a few generations of players, I have seen a lot of tennis, a lot of wins, a lot of matches lost too. "It's amazing to finish a chapter of this kind with the way we played and the atmosphere that was in the team." France captain Yannick Noah, who will step down from his third stint in charge, said his team had been outplayed as they failed in their bid to win the title two years in succession. "The guys did the maximum," Noah said. "Sometimes the bar is too high. That's my feeling. "We lost to a better team. We did everything we could to be at this level with the Croatian team. We just went to their locker-room to congratulate them. I think they're beautiful winners and they deserve it."

Croatia captain Zeljko Krajan hails his Davis Cup dream team

Marin Cilic clinched Croatia's second Davis Cup title as he beat France's Lucas Pouille 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-3 to give his side a decisive 3-1 lead in the final at Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy on Sunday.

The powerful world number seven was relentless as he snuffed out any hope of a famous French fightback - giving Pouille little chance of sending the showpiece into a fifth rubber.

Pouille, 24, did not have a single break point and despite pushing Cilic hard in the first set, he lost the last four points of the tiebreak and never threatened a comeback.

Cilic wasted four set points when Pouille battled back from 0-40 down at 2-5 in the second set but with his own serve rock-solid, he calmly moved into a two-set lead.

The mainly French 22,000 crowd kept roaring their support for Pouille, but it was the Croatia contingent, decked out in their distinctive red and white, who would soon be celebrating.

Cilic broke for a 3-2 lead in the third set and then closed in for the kill when Pouille served at 3-5.

The Frenchman saved two match points from 0-40 but Cilic would not be denied and finished it off with a lob.

Immediately the 30-year-old former US&nbsp;Open champion was swamped by a swarm of his teammates as Croatia could begin the party after emulating their triumph of 2005.

Croatia's sports-mad President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic was among the fans at courtside to savour a landmark title which offered some consolation after France beat Croatia in this year's soccer World Cup final.

"It's not every day that you become a world champion," Cilic, draped in a Croatian flag, said on court.

"For us it's a dream come true, for this nation. You can see the fans are so passionate and they are here enjoying themselves. In Croatia it's going to be incredible too."

Croatia will enter the history books as winners of the last final played in the traditional format before the 118-year-old team competition gets a major revamp.

Next November a new format will see 18 teams assemble in Madrid for a World Cup-style event to decide the champions.

Hosts and defending champions France had begun the day still holding out hope of becoming the first team to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the final since Australia beat the US&nbsp;in 1939.

But there was to be no fairytale ending for French captain Yannick Noah in his last match in charge of Les Bleus.

Marin Cilic clinched Croatia's second Davis Cup title as he beat France's Lucas Pouille 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-3 to give his side a decisive 3-1 lead in the final at Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy on Sunday.

Marin Cilic clinched Croatia's second Davis Cup title as he beat France's Lucas Pouille 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-3 to give his side a decisive 3-1 lead in the final at Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy on Sunday. The powerful world number seven was relentless as he snuffed out any hope of a famous French fightback - giving Pouille little chance of sending the showpiece into a fifth rubber. Pouille, 24, did not have a single break point and despite pushing Cilic hard in the first set, he lost the last four points of the tiebreak and never threatened a comeback. Cilic wasted four set points when Pouille battled back from 0-40 down at 2-5 in the second set but with his own serve rock-solid, he calmly moved into a two-set lead. The mainly French 22,000 crowd kept roaring their support for Pouille, but it was the Croatia contingent, decked out in their distinctive red and white, who would soon be celebrating. Cilic broke for a 3-2 lead in the third set and then closed in for the kill when Pouille served at 3-5. The Frenchman saved two match points from 0-40 but Cilic would not be denied and finished it off with a lob. Immediately the 30-year-old former US Open champion was swamped by a swarm of his teammates as Croatia could begin the party after emulating their triumph of 2005. Croatia's sports-mad President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic was among the fans at courtside to savour a landmark title which offered some consolation after France beat Croatia in this year's soccer World Cup final. "It's not every day that you become a world champion," Cilic, draped in a Croatian flag, said on court. "For us it's a dream come true, for this nation. You can see the fans are so passionate and they are here enjoying themselves. In Croatia it's going to be incredible too." Croatia will enter the history books as winners of the last final played in the traditional format before the 118-year-old team competition gets a major revamp. Next November a new format will see 18 teams assemble in Madrid for a World Cup-style event to decide the champions. Hosts and defending champions France had begun the day still holding out hope of becoming the first team to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the final since Australia beat the US in 1939. But there was to be no fairytale ending for French captain Yannick Noah in his last match in charge of Les Bleus.

Marin Cilic beats Pouille to win Davis Cup for Croatia

The Davis Cup is entering a brave new world - but it is not leaving the old one quietly.

Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert made sure of that with a gripping doubles win that keeps France's hopes against Croatia alive in the last final to be staged in the event's traditional format.

On a rainy afternoon in northern France, more than 20,000 fans packed into Lille's soccer stadium to roar Mahut and Herbert to a 6-4 6-4 3-6 7-6(3) win over Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic.

It meant the last head-to-head Davis Cup final before a soccer World Cup-style format kicks off in 2019 will stretch to three days, with Croatia still in the driving seat at 2-1 ahead.

Fifty huge heaters dangle above the claycourt constructed under the retractable roof of the Stade Pierre Mauroy.

Organisers could have saved the electric bill and tapped into the energy produced by a passionate crowd, most wearing blue, who never shut up from the first point to last.

The home win kept alive the possibility, however remote, that Yannick Noah's champions can storm back to become the first team since Australia against the U.S. in 1939 to win a final from 0-2 down.

It is a long shot with Marin Cilic and Borna Coric, ranked seven and 12 in the world respectively, expected to claim the one point Croatia need to win the title for a second time.

Cilic will play first on Sunday, probably against Lucas Pouille, who was left out by Noah on Friday.

Should Cilic lose, it would come down to a deciding fifth rubber between Coric and, most likely, Herbert, as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is unlikely to play after picking up an injury during his defeat by Cilic on day one.

Whatever happens, French Open champions Mahut and Herbert did their bit, resisting a fierce Croatian fightback to prevail.

"We tried to keep the team alive today," Mahut, who now boats a 9-2 record in Davis Cup doubles, said.

"We want to win the Davis Cup and I think our players can do it tomorrow."

Noah, who cried during the anthems before play, hopes to sign off his third stint as captain by delivering France's 11th Davis Cup, but admits his team still have a mountain to climb.

"We have to try to visualise a positive outcome to win the whole thing," he said. "You saw today what can happen when the fans got involved. That can be positive for us and negative for the other side.

"Whatever the outcome it's an historic weekend for Davis Cup lovers. At times, I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere. We may not ever have this again. Except for tomorrow!"

It looked like being a comfortable win for the French duo when they had points for a double break in the third set, having dominated the first two.

But Pavic and Dodig, who with Cilic beat Mahut and Herbert in the 2016 semi-final, France's last defeat, clawed their way back to set home nerves jangling.

From 3-1 down, Croatia broke twice to reel off five straight games and take the third set.

At the start of the fourth, France saved three break points on the Herbert serve and he was sweating again at 2-2 as the momentum swung Croatia's way.

French fans, who at various points broke into Icelandic thunderclaps and renditions of La Marseillaise, ratcheted up the decibel levels as Pavic served at 4-5.

When the 25-year-old double-faulted at 0-30 to give France three match points, bedlam broke out in the stands with opposing fans trying to out-chant each other.

Umpire James Keothavong was struggling to keep order but somehow Pavic kept his head as he and Dodig dug themelves out of a seemingly impossible position to make it 5-5.

Boos rang out as Pavic gestured defiantly at the massed ranks of blue.

They turned to cheers though as Mahut and Herbert jumped into a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak and though the Croatians got it back to 4-3, the French pair then kept their cool with Mahut's reflex volley sealing the win.

The Davis Cup is entering a brave new world - but it is not leaving the old one quietly. Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert made sure of that with a gripping doubles win that keeps France's hopes against Croatia alive in the last final to be staged in the event's traditional format.

The Davis Cup is entering a brave new world - but it is not leaving the old one quietly. Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert made sure of that with a gripping doubles win that keeps France's hopes against Croatia alive in the last final to be staged in the event's traditional format. On a rainy afternoon in northern France, more than 20,000 fans packed into Lille's soccer stadium to roar Mahut and Herbert to a 6-4 6-4 3-6 7-6(3) win over Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic. It meant the last head-to-head Davis Cup final before a soccer World Cup-style format kicks off in 2019 will stretch to three days, with Croatia still in the driving seat at 2-1 ahead. Fifty huge heaters dangle above the claycourt constructed under the retractable roof of the Stade Pierre Mauroy. Organisers could have saved the electric bill and tapped into the energy produced by a passionate crowd, most wearing blue, who never shut up from the first point to last. The home win kept alive the possibility, however remote, that Yannick Noah's champions can storm back to become the first team since Australia against the U.S. in 1939 to win a final from 0-2 down. It is a long shot with Marin Cilic and Borna Coric, ranked seven and 12 in the world respectively, expected to claim the one point Croatia need to win the title for a second time. Cilic will play first on Sunday, probably against Lucas Pouille, who was left out by Noah on Friday. Should Cilic lose, it would come down to a deciding fifth rubber between Coric and, most likely, Herbert, as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is unlikely to play after picking up an injury during his defeat by Cilic on day one. Whatever happens, French Open champions Mahut and Herbert did their bit, resisting a fierce Croatian fightback to prevail. "We tried to keep the team alive today," Mahut, who now boats a 9-2 record in Davis Cup doubles, said. "We want to win the Davis Cup and I think our players can do it tomorrow." Noah, who cried during the anthems before play, hopes to sign off his third stint as captain by delivering France's 11th Davis Cup, but admits his team still have a mountain to climb. "We have to try to visualise a positive outcome to win the whole thing," he said. "You saw today what can happen when the fans got involved. That can be positive for us and negative for the other side. "Whatever the outcome it's an historic weekend for Davis Cup lovers. At times, I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere. We may not ever have this again. Except for tomorrow!" It looked like being a comfortable win for the French duo when they had points for a double break in the third set, having dominated the first two. But Pavic and Dodig, who with Cilic beat Mahut and Herbert in the 2016 semi-final, France's last defeat, clawed their way back to set home nerves jangling. From 3-1 down, Croatia broke twice to reel off five straight games and take the third set. At the start of the fourth, France saved three break points on the Herbert serve and he was sweating again at 2-2 as the momentum swung Croatia's way. French fans, who at various points broke into Icelandic thunderclaps and renditions of La Marseillaise, ratcheted up the decibel levels as Pavic served at 4-5. When the 25-year-old double-faulted at 0-30 to give France three match points, bedlam broke out in the stands with opposing fans trying to out-chant each other. Umpire James Keothavong was struggling to keep order but somehow Pavic kept his head as he and Dodig dug themelves out of a seemingly impossible position to make it 5-5. Boos rang out as Pavic gestured defiantly at the massed ranks of blue. They turned to cheers though as Mahut and Herbert jumped into a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak and though the Croatians got it back to 4-3, the French pair then kept their cool with Mahut's reflex volley sealing the win.

France stay alive in Davis Cup final after doubles win

Borna Coric and Marin Cilic put Croatia in complete control of the Davis Cup final on Friday, leaving hosts and defending champions France facing what looks like mission impossible.

France captain Yannick Noah's odd choice of Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the opening singles rubbers backfired spectacularly as Croatia built a 2-0 lead inside the huge Stade Pierre Mauroy - home to Lille's soccer club.

Coric gave Croatia a flying start with an emphatic 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win over Chardy and the 33-year-old Tsonga, out for most of the season after knee surgery, was pummelled 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 by world number seven Cilic.

Croatia need to win one of the three remaining rubbers to claim a repeat of their 2005 Davis Cup triumph while French hopes of extending the contest to Sunday now rest with doubles pair Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Noah will end his third stint in charge of the French team after the final but his hopes of signing off with a fourth title for Les Blues are in tatters.

No side has overturned a 2-0 deficit in a Davis Cup final since Australia beat the United States in 1939.

There was an end-of-era feel during the build-up to the final -- the last before the 118-year-old team competition gets a major revamp next year.

Whatever the future holds it did not detract from the electric atmosphere under the closed roof of a stadium hosting its third Davis Cup final in five years.

Few fans are more passionate about the Davis Cup than France's and they cranked up the volume with their choreographed chanting as the players walked on court for the anthems, accompanied by fireworks and spotlights.

Freezing tires

But it was the large block of Croatians perched high up in the freezing upper tiers who had more to sing about.

Coric broke serve after an 11-minute opening game in which Chardy led 40-0 and won 15 points in a row on his way to taking the first set on the indoor claycourt.

Noah's pep talks galvanised Chardy in the second set and his booming forehand finally gave him a toe-hold in the match.

But Coric was relentless and at 5-5 he forged three break points after some terrific scrambling and Chardy, who had saved break points at 3-3, succumbed with a weak backhand.

Coric left the court for a medical timeout leading 4-3 with a break of serve in the third set but he showed no ill-effects from a hamstring twinge on his return and finished the job.

Cilic rammed home Croatia's advantage with a performance of brute force.

No amount cajoling from Noah or support from the blue-clad fans could help former world number five Tsonga fend off the mighty attacks of Cilic.

Only briefly, when he had two points for a 5-3 led in the second set, did Tsonga threaten to make it a real contest.

But Cilic snuffed out that danger and turned up the power on his forehand to break at 5-5 before holding for a two-set lead.

Tsonga appeared to twist awkwardly midway through the third set when he was a breakdown. After disappearing for the treatment he returned more in hope than expectation and Cilic duly sealed victory, bashing away a smash on match point.

Borna Coric and Marin Cilic put Croatia in complete control of the Davis Cup final on Friday, leaving hosts and defending champions France facing what looks like mission impossible.

Borna Coric and Marin Cilic put Croatia in complete control of the Davis Cup final on Friday, leaving hosts and defending champions France facing what looks like mission impossible. France captain Yannick Noah's odd choice of Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the opening singles rubbers backfired spectacularly as Croatia built a 2-0 lead inside the huge Stade Pierre Mauroy - home to Lille's soccer club. Coric gave Croatia a flying start with an emphatic 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 win over Chardy and the 33-year-old Tsonga, out for most of the season after knee surgery, was pummelled 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 by world number seven Cilic. Croatia need to win one of the three remaining rubbers to claim a repeat of their 2005 Davis Cup triumph while French hopes of extending the contest to Sunday now rest with doubles pair Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Noah will end his third stint in charge of the French team after the final but his hopes of signing off with a fourth title for Les Blues are in tatters. No side has overturned a 2-0 deficit in a Davis Cup final since Australia beat the United States in 1939. There was an end-of-era feel during the build-up to the final -- the last before the 118-year-old team competition gets a major revamp next year. Whatever the future holds it did not detract from the electric atmosphere under the closed roof of a stadium hosting its third Davis Cup final in five years. Few fans are more passionate about the Davis Cup than France's and they cranked up the volume with their choreographed chanting as the players walked on court for the anthems, accompanied by fireworks and spotlights. Freezing tires But it was the large block of Croatians perched high up in the freezing upper tiers who had more to sing about. Coric broke serve after an 11-minute opening game in which Chardy led 40-0 and won 15 points in a row on his way to taking the first set on the indoor claycourt. Noah's pep talks galvanised Chardy in the second set and his booming forehand finally gave him a toe-hold in the match. But Coric was relentless and at 5-5 he forged three break points after some terrific scrambling and Chardy, who had saved break points at 3-3, succumbed with a weak backhand. Coric left the court for a medical timeout leading 4-3 with a break of serve in the third set but he showed no ill-effects from a hamstring twinge on his return and finished the job. Cilic rammed home Croatia's advantage with a performance of brute force. No amount cajoling from Noah or support from the blue-clad fans could help former world number five Tsonga fend off the mighty attacks of Cilic. Only briefly, when he had two points for a 5-3 led in the second set, did Tsonga threaten to make it a real contest. But Cilic snuffed out that danger and turned up the power on his forehand to break at 5-5 before holding for a two-set lead. Tsonga appeared to twist awkwardly midway through the third set when he was a breakdown. After disappearing for the treatment he returned more in hope than expectation and Cilic duly sealed victory, bashing away a smash on match point.

Coric, Cilic put Croatia in charge of Davis Cup final

France captain Yannick Noah sprang a surprise at Thursday's Davis Cup final draw ceremony when he named Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as his singles players for the opening day's action in Lille.

Already without the likes of Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils for the final against Croatia, Noah decided to leave out Lucas Pouille, the top-ranked player in his squad.

World number 40 Chardy will open the tie on Friday against Croatia's Borna Coric with Tsonga then taking on Marin Cilic.

Cilic and Coric are ranked seventh and 12th respectively, making captain Zeljko Krajan's decision on his singles players a straightforward one.

"I'm a little surprised Jeremy (Chardy) plays," Cilic said at the draw ceremony. "I was expecting Lucas and Jo. They will have the opportunity to change on Sunday probably with Lucas entering in the place of Jeremy."

Tsonga, 259th in the ATP rankings, missed seven months of the year because of knee surgery and has played only 11 singles matches this year on the Tour.

He lost in the first round in his most recent tournaments, in Vienna and Paris.

Leaving out the 32nd-ranked Pouille is a potential gamble although the 33-year-old Tsonga, a former world number five, has a fine pedigree and a big-match character. He also played in last year's final when France beat Belgium.

He has lost five of his seven matches against Cilic, although they have played only once since 2015 and Tsonga won their last clash, nearly two years ago in Rotterdam.

Chardy, 31, has impressed Noah during practice and his 2-1 head-to-head record over Coric may have been a factor in his decision. He is 2-3 against Cilic.

"For the last two months I was looking at so many ways, so many options, so many players," Noah, bidding for a fourth Davis Cup title in his last match in charge, told reporters.

"I had to decide whether I was putting first their spirit, their involvement with the team, their recent results, their health, so there were a lot of things coming into play.

"After looking every day at what was happening, I thought the best thing for the team was to start on Friday with these two players."

Saturday's doubles will see home pair Nicolas Mahut and Pierre Hugues-Herbert take on Mate Pavic and Ivan Dodig.

Sunday's reverse singles would see Tsonga face Coric in a possible deciding fifth rubber, although the captains are allowed to change their teams during the tie.

France are the defending champions and are trying to win the title for the 11th time, while Croatia are seeking to repeat their triumph of 2005 when they won the cup in Slovakia.

Croatia captain Zeljko Krajan said Noah's selections had not taken him by surprise.

"I know he can sometimes take a joker out of his pocket," Krajan said. "It does not always work according to the ranking.

"I thought Chardy could be his joker this weekend. I hope it will not be as successful as usual in the Davis Cup."

The final, being played on clay inside the Stade Pierre Mauroy, which can hold 28,000 fans, is the last one before the century-old competition is revamped next year.

The 2019 competition will do away with the 'home and away' format after an opening qualification round and will culminate in an 18-nation finals week in Madrid in November.

"Playing here is special," said Noah. "It's a weekend that for many reasons is going to be historic."

France captain Yannick Noah sprang a surprise at Thursday's Davis Cup final draw ceremony when he named Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as his singles players for the opening day's action in Lille.

France captain Yannick Noah sprang a surprise at Thursday's Davis Cup final draw ceremony when he named Jeremy Chardy and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as his singles players for the opening day's action in Lille. Already without the likes of Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils for the final against Croatia, Noah decided to leave out Lucas Pouille, the top-ranked player in his squad. World number 40 Chardy will open the tie on Friday against Croatia's Borna Coric with Tsonga then taking on Marin Cilic. Cilic and Coric are ranked seventh and 12th respectively, making captain Zeljko Krajan's decision on his singles players a straightforward one. "I'm a little surprised Jeremy (Chardy) plays," Cilic said at the draw ceremony. "I was expecting Lucas and Jo. They will have the opportunity to change on Sunday probably with Lucas entering in the place of Jeremy." Tsonga, 259th in the ATP rankings, missed seven months of the year because of knee surgery and has played only 11 singles matches this year on the Tour. He lost in the first round in his most recent tournaments, in Vienna and Paris. Leaving out the 32nd-ranked Pouille is a potential gamble although the 33-year-old Tsonga, a former world number five, has a fine pedigree and a big-match character. He also played in last year's final when France beat Belgium. He has lost five of his seven matches against Cilic, although they have played only once since 2015 and Tsonga won their last clash, nearly two years ago in Rotterdam. Chardy, 31, has impressed Noah during practice and his 2-1 head-to-head record over Coric may have been a factor in his decision. He is 2-3 against Cilic. "For the last two months I was looking at so many ways, so many options, so many players," Noah, bidding for a fourth Davis Cup title in his last match in charge, told reporters. "I had to decide whether I was putting first their spirit, their involvement with the team, their recent results, their health, so there were a lot of things coming into play. "After looking every day at what was happening, I thought the best thing for the team was to start on Friday with these two players." Saturday's doubles will see home pair Nicolas Mahut and Pierre Hugues-Herbert take on Mate Pavic and Ivan Dodig. Sunday's reverse singles would see Tsonga face Coric in a possible deciding fifth rubber, although the captains are allowed to change their teams during the tie. France are the defending champions and are trying to win the title for the 11th time, while Croatia are seeking to repeat their triumph of 2005 when they won the cup in Slovakia. Croatia captain Zeljko Krajan said Noah's selections had not taken him by surprise. "I know he can sometimes take a joker out of his pocket," Krajan said. "It does not always work according to the ranking. "I thought Chardy could be his joker this weekend. I hope it will not be as successful as usual in the Davis Cup." The final, being played on clay inside the Stade Pierre Mauroy, which can hold 28,000 fans, is the last one before the century-old competition is revamped next year. The 2019 competition will do away with the 'home and away' format after an opening qualification round and will culminate in an 18-nation finals week in Madrid in November. "Playing here is special," said Noah. "It's a weekend that for many reasons is going to be historic."

France go with Tsonga and Chardy in Davis Cup final singles

The Davis Cup must not try to compete with the soon-to-be-launched ATP Cup and revert to its traditional home and away format, according to Swedish great Mats Wilander.

In a controversial move the International Tennis Federation (ITF) this year voted to revamp the 118-year-old team event which is known for its partisan, soccer-like crowds.

Instead of a year-long draw in which ties are played on the home soil of one of the nations involved, including the final, a week-long 18-nation event, backed to the tune of $3 billion by investment group Kosmos, will kick off in Madrid next November.

Next weekend's Davis Cup final in Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy, where hosts and defending champions France take on Croatia, will be the last of its kind.

Wilander says the ITF should think again.

"I think the Davis Cup is in the middle of reorganising but they are not really knowing exactly what they need to do to get it back on track," Wilander, who won three finals with Sweden, told Reuters in an interview at the ATP Finals in London.

"They should not be competing with the ATP Cup.

"Davis Cup must be home and away and inspire local enthusiasts. To take away, for example, Belgium's chance to play at home in the Davis Cup semi-final and put them on neutral ground, that's crazy."

Next year's Davis Cup will still have home and away ties -- but only in the first round. The winners will go forward to the 18-nation finals played at the Caja Magica. Wilander says that is the wrong way round.

"The Davis Cup should be home and away from the semi-finals as a minimum, I would say even the quarters," he said.

"Roger Federer doesn't want to play a first round perhaps in Kazakhstan. But a semi-final in Basel, in front of 20,000 Swiss fans? Of course he will. It's detrimental.

"If David Goffin gets to the quarter-finals of the French Open some diehards in Belgium will tune in. If Belgium is playing semi-finals of Davis Cup at home, 50 percent of sports fans will tune in.

"That's what the little kid with his mum and dad remembers. I bet 50 percent of the top 100 players remember watching (the) Davis Cup before they watched, maybe not Wimbledon, but certainly before the other Slams or ATP tournaments."

Wilander says next week's final will be a massive event in France, all the more reason to leave the format alone.

"You want to take that away?" Wilander said. "France is perhaps the biggest tennis nation but they don't have much to cheer at the French Open. The Davis Cup is a chance for French players to win something big, in France."

ATP CUP HOPES

The ATP Cup, featuring 24 nations, was launched by the ATP Tour this week in London and will start in January 2020 in three Australian cities -- just before the Australian Open and six weeks after the first edition of the new Davis Cup.

"It's a brilliant idea," Wilander said. "It gives players a team competition because Davis Cup is not always convenient for the player. I hope it's a massive success."

And as for the Davis Cup's new model, Wilander said: "Maybe if it would be a failure the ITF would go back and look at it, fine tune what they had instead of changing everything."

World number one Novak Djokovic, who won the Cup with Serbia in Belgrade, said players would miss the frenzied home support.

"The home-and-away was probably the very thing that attracted all the players and fans to this competition," Djokovic, who attended the launch of the ATP Cup, said.

"At the same time in order to change something, you also need to sacrifice something. I guess for this kind of a format change, you had to take away something, and that was it."

The Davis Cup must not try to compete with the soon-to-be-launched ATP Cup and revert to its traditional home and away format, according to Swedish great Mats Wilander.

The Davis Cup must not try to compete with the soon-to-be-launched ATP Cup and revert to its traditional home and away format, according to Swedish great Mats Wilander. In a controversial move the International Tennis Federation (ITF) this year voted to revamp the 118-year-old team event which is known for its partisan, soccer-like crowds. Instead of a year-long draw in which ties are played on the home soil of one of the nations involved, including the final, a week-long 18-nation event, backed to the tune of $3 billion by investment group Kosmos, will kick off in Madrid next November. Next weekend's Davis Cup final in Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy, where hosts and defending champions France take on Croatia, will be the last of its kind. Wilander says the ITF should think again. "I think the Davis Cup is in the middle of reorganising but they are not really knowing exactly what they need to do to get it back on track," Wilander, who won three finals with Sweden, told Reuters in an interview at the ATP Finals in London. "They should not be competing with the ATP Cup. "Davis Cup must be home and away and inspire local enthusiasts. To take away, for example, Belgium's chance to play at home in the Davis Cup semi-final and put them on neutral ground, that's crazy." Next year's Davis Cup will still have home and away ties -- but only in the first round. The winners will go forward to the 18-nation finals played at the Caja Magica. Wilander says that is the wrong way round. "The Davis Cup should be home and away from the semi-finals as a minimum, I would say even the quarters," he said. "Roger Federer doesn't want to play a first round perhaps in Kazakhstan. But a semi-final in Basel, in front of 20,000 Swiss fans? Of course he will. It's detrimental. "If David Goffin gets to the quarter-finals of the French Open some diehards in Belgium will tune in. If Belgium is playing semi-finals of Davis Cup at home, 50 percent of sports fans will tune in. "That's what the little kid with his mum and dad remembers. I bet 50 percent of the top 100 players remember watching (the) Davis Cup before they watched, maybe not Wimbledon, but certainly before the other Slams or ATP tournaments." Wilander says next week's final will be a massive event in France, all the more reason to leave the format alone. "You want to take that away?" Wilander said. "France is perhaps the biggest tennis nation but they don't have much to cheer at the French Open. The Davis Cup is a chance for French players to win something big, in France." ATP CUP HOPES The ATP Cup, featuring 24 nations, was launched by the ATP Tour this week in London and will start in January 2020 in three Australian cities -- just before the Australian Open and six weeks after the first edition of the new Davis Cup. "It's a brilliant idea," Wilander said. "It gives players a team competition because Davis Cup is not always convenient for the player. I hope it's a massive success." And as for the Davis Cup's new model, Wilander said: "Maybe if it would be a failure the ITF would go back and look at it, fine tune what they had instead of changing everything." World number one Novak Djokovic, who won the Cup with Serbia in Belgrade, said players would miss the frenzied home support. "The home-and-away was probably the very thing that attracted all the players and fans to this competition," Djokovic, who attended the launch of the ATP Cup, said. "At the same time in order to change something, you also need to sacrifice something. I guess for this kind of a format change, you had to take away something, and that was it."

Wilander criticises Davis Cup revamp as 'last' final looms

Spain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-leander-paes-creates-history-as-india-win-doubles-match-128913">outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals </a>of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals.

Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to&nbsp;level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1.

European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with &nbsp;6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter. Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1. European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with 6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Davis Cup: Ferrer edges out Kohlschreiber as Spain beat Germany

Indian Tennis players Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna notched up a hard fought win in the doubles contest to keep India's chances alive in their Davis Cup Asia/Ocenia Group I tie against China on Saturday.

44-year-old Paes and Bopanna downed a fighting Chinese pair of Mo Xin Gong and Ze Zhang 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(3) in the do-or-die doubles.&nbsp

With this win, Paes becomes the most successful player in the history of the tennis competition.

Paes was tied on 42 wins with Italian great Nicola Pietrangeli for a long time, but the Kolkata born star finally surpassed him with his 43rd victory.

In the first set, Paes' service was broken in the 11th game after the two pairs were tied at 5-5.

The Indians got more break opportunities than the hosts but struggled to kill it off.

The Indians broke Gong in the third game for a 2-1 lead and then held on.

In the decider, Paes and Bopanna frittered away a 3-1 lead by losing three games in a row to trail 3-4.&nbsp

Paes came out to serve at 5-6 and went down 0-30 but the veteran used all his experience to pull off the crucial hold to force another tie-breaker.

In the tie-breaker, the two players used all their experience to roll over the lower-ranked Chinese and pull off the triumph.

The Indian youngsters will now have to win both the reverse singles to advance to the World Group Play-offs. 
&nbsp

44-year-old Paes and Bopanna downed a fighting Chinese pair

Indian Tennis players Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna notched up a hard fought win in the doubles contest to keep India's chances alive in their Davis Cup Asia/Ocenia Group I tie against China on Saturday. 44-year-old Paes and Bopanna downed a fighting Chinese pair of Mo Xin Gong and Ze Zhang 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(3) in the do-or-die doubles. With this win, Paes becomes the most successful player in the history of the tennis competition. Paes was tied on 42 wins with Italian great Nicola Pietrangeli for a long time, but the Kolkata born star finally surpassed him with his 43rd victory. In the first set, Paes' service was broken in the 11th game after the two pairs were tied at 5-5. The Indians got more break opportunities than the hosts but struggled to kill it off. The Indians broke Gong in the third game for a 2-1 lead and then held on. In the decider, Paes and Bopanna frittered away a 3-1 lead by losing three games in a row to trail 3-4. Paes came out to serve at 5-6 and went down 0-30 but the veteran used all his experience to pull off the crucial hold to force another tie-breaker. In the tie-breaker, the two players used all their experience to roll over the lower-ranked Chinese and pull off the triumph. The Indian youngsters will now have to win both the reverse singles to advance to the World Group Play-offs.

Davis Cup: Leander Paes creates history as India win doubles match

Rafael Nadal celebrates his impending return to world number one spot with a recall Tuesday to Spain's Davis Cup team for the quarter-final tie against Germany.

Nadal, who will top the latest world rankings to be released Monday, rejoins the squad for the first time since 2016 for the April 6-8 tie, team captain Sergi Bruguera announced.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner is certain to take over from Roger Federer as world number one after the shock defeat of the Swiss ace in the second round of the Miami Masters on Saturday.

Bruguera said that the 31-year-old was recovering well from an injury to his right leg that has sidelined him since he pulled out of the Australian Open in January. In February, he pulled out of the Mexican Open just hours before his opening match.

"I have kept in touch with him and he is going from strength to strength and he is feeling good after his convalescence and he is training more," said Bruguera.

Nadal last appeared for Spain in the Davis Cup in September 2016.

Pablo Carreno, Roberto Bautista, David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez line up with Nadal for the tie on clay in Valencia, eastern Spain.

The winner of the tie will meet either France or Italy in the semi-final. In the other two quarter-finals, Croatia play Kazakhstan and the United States play Belgium.

Nadal, who turns 32 in June, ended 2017 as the oldest year-end world number one in the 45-year history of the ATP rankings. He lost the top ranking to Federer in February.

Nadal last appeared for Spain in the Davis Cup in September 2016

Rafael Nadal celebrates his impending return to world number one spot with a recall Tuesday to Spain's Davis Cup team for the quarter-final tie against Germany. Nadal, who will top the latest world rankings to be released Monday, rejoins the squad for the first time since 2016 for the April 6-8 tie, team captain Sergi Bruguera announced. The 16-time Grand Slam winner is certain to take over from Roger Federer as world number one after the shock defeat of the Swiss ace in the second round of the Miami Masters on Saturday. Bruguera said that the 31-year-old was recovering well from an injury to his right leg that has sidelined him since he pulled out of the Australian Open in January. In February, he pulled out of the Mexican Open just hours before his opening match. "I have kept in touch with him and he is going from strength to strength and he is feeling good after his convalescence and he is training more," said Bruguera. Nadal last appeared for Spain in the Davis Cup in September 2016. Pablo Carreno, Roberto Bautista, David Ferrer and Feliciano Lopez line up with Nadal for the tie on clay in Valencia, eastern Spain. The winner of the tie will meet either France or Italy in the semi-final. In the other two quarter-finals, Croatia play Kazakhstan and the United States play Belgium. Nadal, who turns 32 in June, ended 2017 as the oldest year-end world number one in the 45-year history of the ATP rankings. He lost the top ranking to Federer in February.

Rafael Nadal back for Spain in Davis Cup

Shattered Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has said his young Davis Cup team will be better for their heart-breaking semi-final loss to Belgium and backed them to bounce back quickly from the disappointment.

Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis.

Hewitt said he could not fault the effort of his players in front of a parochial home crowd on clay courts, their least-preferred surface, but as a member of the team that beat Spain in the 2003 title-decider, he was still crushed by the defeat.

&quot;You come here to get the result. It&#39;s a bit raw at the moment,&quot; the two-time grand slam champion told reporters. &quot;Everyone gave 100 per cent. We left it all out there. But that doesn&#39;t make it hurt any less.

&quot;It&#39;s disappointing, but I&#39;ve told the boys, if it hurts it&#39;s because it means something.

&quot;These boys take a lot of pride wearing the green and gold and will bounce back.&quot;

With Bernard Tomic overlooked for the tie amid a deep form slump, Hewitt sprung a couple of selection surprises over the weekend, neither of which paid off.

After including the in-form Thanasi Kokkinakis in his squad, Hewitt ignored the young talent and plumped for 183rd-ranked John Millman, who lost the opening singles to Goffin on Friday.

Millman played well in defeat to Goffin but was discarded in favour of 69th-ranked Jordan Thompson who duly lost to Darcis on Sunday.

&quot;It was always going to be the case for a long time (to play Thompson on Sunday), so nothing in our plans changed,&quot; Hewitt said, defending the decision.

&quot;A lot of these boys haven&#39;t played in Davis Cup ties away from home,&quot; added Hewitt. &quot;It is different. It&#39;s tough. Especially in semis and finals. They&#39;ll be better for the run.&quot;

Belgium will play away to France in the decider in November.

Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis.

Shattered Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has said his young Davis Cup team will be better for their heart-breaking semi-final loss to Belgium and backed them to bounce back quickly from the disappointment. Chasing their first appearance in the final since winning the 2003 title, Australia led 2-1 heading into the final singles in Brussels on Sunday but Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson met their match against David Goffin and Steve Darcis. Hewitt said he could not fault the effort of his players in front of a parochial home crowd on clay courts, their least-preferred surface, but as a member of the team that beat Spain in the 2003 title-decider, he was still crushed by the defeat. "You come here to get the result. It's a bit raw at the moment," the two-time grand slam champion told reporters. "Everyone gave 100 per cent. We left it all out there. But that doesn't make it hurt any less. "It's disappointing, but I've told the boys, if it hurts it's because it means something. "These boys take a lot of pride wearing the green and gold and will bounce back." With Bernard Tomic overlooked for the tie amid a deep form slump, Hewitt sprung a couple of selection surprises over the weekend, neither of which paid off. After including the in-form Thanasi Kokkinakis in his squad, Hewitt ignored the young talent and plumped for 183rd-ranked John Millman, who lost the opening singles to Goffin on Friday. Millman played well in defeat to Goffin but was discarded in favour of 69th-ranked Jordan Thompson who duly lost to Darcis on Sunday. "It was always going to be the case for a long time (to play Thompson on Sunday), so nothing in our plans changed," Hewitt said, defending the decision. "A lot of these boys haven't played in Davis Cup ties away from home," added Hewitt. "It is different. It's tough. Especially in semis and finals. They'll be better for the run." Belgium will play away to France in the decider in November.

Davis Cup: Australia will bounce back, says Hewitt

Ramukumar Ramanathan routed Finn Tearney with clinical precision as India took an unassailable 3-1 lead over New Zealand in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I first round tie here today.

A lanky Ramkumar cruised to a 7-5 6-1 6-0 win over the Kiwi opponent in exactly two hours in windy conditions at the Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi.

Ramkumar, who had won his singles rubber on day one against Jose Statham in straight sets in very impressive fashion, clinched a closely fought 51-minute first set.

Tearney&#39;s game went to pieces thereafter as his rival seized on the opportunities and ran away with the second and third sets with two and three breaks of serve each to propel India into the second round for a meeting with Uzbekistan from April 7-9.

Uzbekistan got past South Korea in another first round away tie.

India had taken a 2-0 lead on the first day when Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar clinched their singles rubbers against Tearney and Statham respectively.

New Zealand clinched the doubles rubber yesterday when Artem Sitak and Michael Venus got the better of Indian veteran Leander Paes and Vishnu Vardhan.

Ramkumar&#39;s victory in the first reverse singles to provide the hosts with an unassailable lead has rendered fifth rubber between Bhambri and Statham inconsequential.

The 22-year-old Chennai-born 276-ranked Ramkumar fired 12 aces but also committed nine double faults as compared to Tearney&#39;s 16.

The Kiwi player committed a staggering 10 double faults in the opening set, including three in the 12th game in which he was decisively broken by his Indian opponent.

The 6-foot-2-inch tall Indian youngster also had to dig himself out of the hole in two service games in which he faced break points. He saved three in the fifth game in which he committed the first of his two double-faults with the help of his strong first serve clocked at over 200 kmph.

Later he saved the fourth in the 11th game with his fifth ace to lead 6-5 before Tearney self-destructed when serving to be in the set for the second time by committing three double faults, including the last one when he was down 15-40, to hand over the set on a platter to the Indian.&nbsp;

(PTI)

India took a 3-1 lead over New Zealand in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I first round tie

Ramukumar Ramanathan routed Finn Tearney with clinical precision as India took an unassailable 3-1 lead over New Zealand in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I first round tie here today. A lanky Ramkumar cruised to a 7-5 6-1 6-0 win over the Kiwi opponent in exactly two hours in windy conditions at the Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi. Ramkumar, who had won his singles rubber on day one against Jose Statham in straight sets in very impressive fashion, clinched a closely fought 51-minute first set. Tearney's game went to pieces thereafter as his rival seized on the opportunities and ran away with the second and third sets with two and three breaks of serve each to propel India into the second round for a meeting with Uzbekistan from April 7-9. Uzbekistan got past South Korea in another first round away tie. India had taken a 2-0 lead on the first day when Yuki Bhambri and Ramkumar clinched their singles rubbers against Tearney and Statham respectively. New Zealand clinched the doubles rubber yesterday when Artem Sitak and Michael Venus got the better of Indian veteran Leander Paes and Vishnu Vardhan. Ramkumar's victory in the first reverse singles to provide the hosts with an unassailable lead has rendered fifth rubber between Bhambri and Statham inconsequential. The 22-year-old Chennai-born 276-ranked Ramkumar fired 12 aces but also committed nine double faults as compared to Tearney's 16. The Kiwi player committed a staggering 10 double faults in the opening set, including three in the 12th game in which he was decisively broken by his Indian opponent. The 6-foot-2-inch tall Indian youngster also had to dig himself out of the hole in two service games in which he faced break points. He saved three in the fifth game in which he committed the first of his two double-faults with the help of his strong first serve clocked at over 200 kmph. Later he saved the fourth in the 11th game with his fifth ace to lead 6-5 before Tearney self-destructed when serving to be in the set for the second time by committing three double faults, including the last one when he was down 15-40, to hand over the set on a platter to the Indian. (PTI)

India win Davis Cup tie against New Zealand

Argentina&#39;s Juan Martin del Potro will miss next month&#39;s Australian Open and possibly his country&#39;s Davis Cup first round tie against Italy because of injury concerns.

The former US&nbsp;Open champion has been plagued with wrist injuries for the past three years and after an impressive return in 2016 said he wants to avoid any setbacks.

A statement announcing that he was withdrawing from the season-opening Auckland Classic and the Australian Open said he needed more recovery time after leading Argentina to the Davis Cup title for the first time in November.

&quot;What I need is to have someone get me physically fit enough to last the whole year,&quot; the 28-year-old said.

&quot;We&#39;re looking at what the priority is. If tennis waited for me for two years, Australia can wait for me for one more.&quot;

He is regarded as a serious challenger for grand slam titles but three surgeries to his wrist threatened to end his career. He began the year ranked 1,042 but ended the season inside the top 40.

Del Potro reached the Olympic singles final in Rio, losing a cliff-hanger to Andy Murray, before guiding Argentina to victory over Croatia in the Davis Cup final.

The 28-year-old has not completely ruled out being available for their opening round against Italy starting on February&nbsp;3.

&quot;There&#39;s still some time to the first tie against Italy, but not so much and it&#39;s going to be on clay, a surface I struggle on,&quot; Del Potro said.

(Reuters)

The former US?Open champion has been dogged with wrist injuries for the past three years

Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro will miss next month's Australian Open and possibly his country's Davis Cup first round tie against Italy because of injury concerns. The former US Open champion has been plagued with wrist injuries for the past three years and after an impressive return in 2016 said he wants to avoid any setbacks. A statement announcing that he was withdrawing from the season-opening Auckland Classic and the Australian Open said he needed more recovery time after leading Argentina to the Davis Cup title for the first time in November. "What I need is to have someone get me physically fit enough to last the whole year," the 28-year-old said. "We're looking at what the priority is. If tennis waited for me for two years, Australia can wait for me for one more." He is regarded as a serious challenger for grand slam titles but three surgeries to his wrist threatened to end his career. He began the year ranked 1,042 but ended the season inside the top 40. Del Potro reached the Olympic singles final in Rio, losing a cliff-hanger to Andy Murray, before guiding Argentina to victory over Croatia in the Davis Cup final. The 28-year-old has not completely ruled out being available for their opening round against Italy starting on February 3. "There's still some time to the first tie against Italy, but not so much and it's going to be on clay, a surface I struggle on," Del Potro said. (Reuters)

Juan Martin del Potro to skip Australian Open over injury concerns

Federico Delbonis swept aside Croatia&#39;s Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in Sunday&#39;s deciding rubber as Argentina clinched a first Davis Cup title with a stunning fightback in Zagreb.

Juan Martin del Potro, cheered on by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, staged an incredible comeback from two sets down to beat Marin Cilic in the opening reverse singles to level the tie at 2-2.

Left-hander Delbonis then tamed the big-serving Karlovic as Argentina, runners-up on four previous occasions, became just the 15th country to lift the trophy in 116 years.

&quot;This is one of those dreams that has come true,&quot; said Delbonis.

&quot;I tried to keep focused to do what I had to do, that&#39;s all I could think because if I thought about anything else it would be a disaster.&quot;

Argentina coach Daniel Orsanic added: &quot;The guys were amazing today. Juan Martin won an incredible match and Federico played the match of his life.&quot;

Delbonis was beaten by Cilic in five sets in Friday&#39;s first singles match but blew away the 37-year-old Karlovic, an opponent ranked 21 places above him, in just over two hours.

The world number 41 broke Karlovic -- the oldest player to feature in a Davis Cup singles match since 43-year-old Australian Norman Brookes in 1920 -- four times to help Argentina banish the memories of losing finals appearances in 1981, 2006, 2008 and 2011.

But much of the credit will go to Del Potro after the Olympic silver medallist, who missed the majority of 2014 and 2015 through injury, outlasted Cilic in an epic five-hour battle of former US Open champions.

&quot;I was positive all the time and did not let my head drop after going two sets down,&quot; said Del Potro.

&quot;This was an emotionally exhausting match and one of the biggest wins of my career.&quot;

- Unprecedented recovery -

Del Potro had defeated Cilic in eight of 10 previous meetings, but Sunday&#39;s clash was the first since 2013 and the Croat was invigorated by an animated Zagreb Arena crowd.

Sixth-ranked Cilic dominated a first set tie-break, winning the first five points to seize control, and then broke Del Potro&#39;s serve twice in succession in the second set to move Croatia within sight of a second title.

But Del Potro, who rallied from behind to overcome Andy Murray in a five-set epic in the semi-final, displayed more remarkable resilience and produced an outrageous &#39;tweener&#39; to begin the third set.

Cilic fought off two early break points but then succumbed to nerves as the finish line approached, falling 0-40 behind on serve at 5-6, and Del Potro pounced at the third opportunity to reignite his country&#39;s hopes.

Del Potro&#39;s blistering forehand piled the pressure on Cilic, and the Argentine sent the match to a fifth set by converting his third set point after his opponent again faltered on serve at 5-4.

Del Potro committed a costly double fault to gift Cilic the advantage at the start of the deciding set, but the world number 38 hit straight back in the following game to level.

The Argentine then conjured up a pair of break points at 4-3 with a miscued forehand from Cilic paving the way for Del Potro to complete a stunning fightback -- his first ever from two sets down -- in four hours and 53 minutes. &nbsp;

&quot;It&rsquo;s a very hard defeat to take,&quot; said Cilic.&nbsp;

&quot;I am very disappointed but I have no regrets because I gave all I had and it was just one of those days when it didn&rsquo;t come off.&quot;

(AFP)

'This is one of those dreams that has come true,' said Federico Delbonis

Federico Delbonis swept aside Croatia's Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in Sunday's deciding rubber as Argentina clinched a first Davis Cup title with a stunning fightback in Zagreb. Juan Martin del Potro, cheered on by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, staged an incredible comeback from two sets down to beat Marin Cilic in the opening reverse singles to level the tie at 2-2. Left-hander Delbonis then tamed the big-serving Karlovic as Argentina, runners-up on four previous occasions, became just the 15th country to lift the trophy in 116 years. "This is one of those dreams that has come true," said Delbonis. "I tried to keep focused to do what I had to do, that's all I could think because if I thought about anything else it would be a disaster." Argentina coach Daniel Orsanic added: "The guys were amazing today. Juan Martin won an incredible match and Federico played the match of his life." Delbonis was beaten by Cilic in five sets in Friday's first singles match but blew away the 37-year-old Karlovic, an opponent ranked 21 places above him, in just over two hours. The world number 41 broke Karlovic -- the oldest player to feature in a Davis Cup singles match since 43-year-old Australian Norman Brookes in 1920 -- four times to help Argentina banish the memories of losing finals appearances in 1981, 2006, 2008 and 2011. But much of the credit will go to Del Potro after the Olympic silver medallist, who missed the majority of 2014 and 2015 through injury, outlasted Cilic in an epic five-hour battle of former US Open champions. "I was positive all the time and did not let my head drop after going two sets down," said Del Potro. "This was an emotionally exhausting match and one of the biggest wins of my career." - Unprecedented recovery - Del Potro had defeated Cilic in eight of 10 previous meetings, but Sunday's clash was the first since 2013 and the Croat was invigorated by an animated Zagreb Arena crowd. Sixth-ranked Cilic dominated a first set tie-break, winning the first five points to seize control, and then broke Del Potro's serve twice in succession in the second set to move Croatia within sight of a second title. But Del Potro, who rallied from behind to overcome Andy Murray in a five-set epic in the semi-final, displayed more remarkable resilience and produced an outrageous 'tweener' to begin the third set. Cilic fought off two early break points but then succumbed to nerves as the finish line approached, falling 0-40 behind on serve at 5-6, and Del Potro pounced at the third opportunity to reignite his country's hopes. Del Potro's blistering forehand piled the pressure on Cilic, and the Argentine sent the match to a fifth set by converting his third set point after his opponent again faltered on serve at 5-4. Del Potro committed a costly double fault to gift Cilic the advantage at the start of the deciding set, but the world number 38 hit straight back in the following game to level. The Argentine then conjured up a pair of break points at 4-3 with a miscued forehand from Cilic paving the way for Del Potro to complete a stunning fightback -- his first ever from two sets down -- in four hours and 53 minutes. "It’s a very hard defeat to take," said Cilic. "I am very disappointed but I have no regrets because I gave all I had and it was just one of those days when it didn’t come off." (AFP)

Tennis: Delbonis seals Argentina's maiden Davis Cup title

Former US&nbsp;Open winners and good friends -- Croatia&#39;s Marin Cilic and Argentina&#39;s Juan Martin Del Potro --&nbsp;are set to lead their country&#39;s challenge to win the Davis Cup final this weekend&nbsp;in the imposing Zagreb Arena.

Cilic, who is ranked sixth in the world, will play against the Federico Delbonis in the first singles match, followed by Del Potro&#39;s match against the 37-year-old veteran&nbsp;Ivo Carlovic.

Big-serving&nbsp;Carlovic is making a return to the Davis Cup after a gap of four years.

Thursday&#39;s draw in the iconic Vatroslav Lisinski concert hall also pitted Croatia&#39;s Franko Skugor and Ivan Dodig against Leonardo Mayer and Guido Pella in Saturday&#39;s doubles.

Cilic will take on Del Potro and Karlovic is scheduled to face Delbonis in Sunday&#39;s reverse singles.

Croatia, winners in 2005, are bidding for their second title while Argentina are looking for their first. Argentina is the only country in Davic Cup history to have not lifted the trophy despite having played four finals in the past.

&quot;I think Croatia are the favourites to win the tie,&quot; Del Potro told a news conference, sitting in front of the giant and elusive silverware on display.&nbsp;

&quot;They are at home and have a very strong team, but we are looking forward to a great weekend and we are also very proud to be in another final.

&quot;I&rsquo;ll have to be focused against Karlovic because one break of serve could cost me the match. It is great to be in the final at this point of my career after so many injuries.&quot;

Cilic, who carried the Croatians in a 3-2 semi-final defeat of France, heaped praise on Del Potro and said the host nation banked on fervent crowd support while welcoming the expected arrival of Argentina&#39;s former World Cup winner Diego Maradona.

&quot;Del Potro and I have known each other for a very long time,&quot; he said.

&quot;He is a great player and a very nice person, We always get along very well on the ATP tour and he is a very positive character for world tennis.

&quot;It will be nice to have Maradona here but it makes no difference to us that he will be cheering on his compatriots. There is little or nothing between the two teams and hence our passionate fans can make all the difference.&quot;&nbsp;

Argentina have a 3-0 Davis Cup record against Croatia, winning quarter-finals in 2002 and 2012 in Buenos Aires and 2006 in Zagreb.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Croatia is looking to win its second Davis Cup, while Argentina is seeking its maiden title

Former US Open winners and good friends -- Croatia's Marin Cilic and Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro -- are set to lead their country's challenge to win the Davis Cup final this weekend in the imposing Zagreb Arena. Cilic, who is ranked sixth in the world, will play against the Federico Delbonis in the first singles match, followed by Del Potro's match against the 37-year-old veteran Ivo Carlovic. Big-serving Carlovic is making a return to the Davis Cup after a gap of four years. Thursday's draw in the iconic Vatroslav Lisinski concert hall also pitted Croatia's Franko Skugor and Ivan Dodig against Leonardo Mayer and Guido Pella in Saturday's doubles. Cilic will take on Del Potro and Karlovic is scheduled to face Delbonis in Sunday's reverse singles. Croatia, winners in 2005, are bidding for their second title while Argentina are looking for their first. Argentina is the only country in Davic Cup history to have not lifted the trophy despite having played four finals in the past. "I think Croatia are the favourites to win the tie," Del Potro told a news conference, sitting in front of the giant and elusive silverware on display. "They are at home and have a very strong team, but we are looking forward to a great weekend and we are also very proud to be in another final. "I’ll have to be focused against Karlovic because one break of serve could cost me the match. It is great to be in the final at this point of my career after so many injuries." Cilic, who carried the Croatians in a 3-2 semi-final defeat of France, heaped praise on Del Potro and said the host nation banked on fervent crowd support while welcoming the expected arrival of Argentina's former World Cup winner Diego Maradona. "Del Potro and I have known each other for a very long time," he said. "He is a great player and a very nice person, We always get along very well on the ATP tour and he is a very positive character for world tennis. "It will be nice to have Maradona here but it makes no difference to us that he will be cheering on his compatriots. There is little or nothing between the two teams and hence our passionate fans can make all the difference." Argentina have a 3-0 Davis Cup record against Croatia, winning quarter-finals in 2002 and 2012 in Buenos Aires and 2006 in Zagreb. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Argentina, Croatia get ready to lock horns in Davis Cup final

The Scottish siblings, Andy and Jamie Murray kept alive Great Britain&#39;s of retaining their Davis Cup title.&nbsp; 
 
The duo defeated Argentina&#39;s Juan Martin del Potro and Leonardo Mayer in an intense match in the doubles semi-final on Saturday.&nbsp; 
 
A terrific effort from the Murray brothers reduced the overall deficit to 2-1. &nbsp; 
 
Andy and his older brother Jamie secured a thrilling 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory in just under three hours on the hard court of the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. 
 
&quot;Yesterday was a very tough day. To come out and get the win with Jamie today was great. He played unbelievably well throughout the whole match. We are 2-1 down and it is a tough position to be in, but it is a better position that we were in at the beginning of the day and I still believe we can come back,&quot; three-time Grand Slam winner Andy said. 
 
&quot;We played a great match but we had to as those guys are playing really well too,&quot; said Jamie Murray. 
 
&quot;I think we should be proud of the way we played and competed from start to finish. We&rsquo;re back in the tie and gives us some momentum back in the tie going into tomorrow&#39;s matches.&quot; 
 
Great Britain took the first set comfortably in 26 minutes. Argentina broke serve to lead in the second and went on to level the match at one set all. 
 
The third set went with serve until the seventh game when Argentina moved in front with a break as Andy struggled with his first serve.&nbsp; 
 
But Britain broke back immediately with a clever return down the line from Jamie sealing the set.&nbsp; 
 
There was nothing to separate the sides in the fourth set which went with serve until the tenth game where the Murrays broke at the crucial moment to claim victory. 
 
The win by Britain sets up a fascinating third day with Andy having to fight Guido Pella in the first of Sunday&#39;s reverse singles. 
 
Argentina is&nbsp;looking to reach their fourth final in 10 years. But the side will need the claim the crucial point in Sunday&#39;s reverse singles rubbers before they find a place in the final. 
 
The winners of the tie will face France or Croatia in the final. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Andy and Jamie Murray battled Argentine duo in a thrilling four-set match to keep Great Britain in the running for the Davis Cup title

The Scottish siblings, Andy and Jamie Murray kept alive Great Britain's of retaining their Davis Cup title. The duo defeated Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro and Leonardo Mayer in an intense match in the doubles semi-final on Saturday. A terrific effort from the Murray brothers reduced the overall deficit to 2-1. Andy and his older brother Jamie secured a thrilling 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory in just under three hours on the hard court of the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. "Yesterday was a very tough day. To come out and get the win with Jamie today was great. He played unbelievably well throughout the whole match. We are 2-1 down and it is a tough position to be in, but it is a better position that we were in at the beginning of the day and I still believe we can come back," three-time Grand Slam winner Andy said. "We played a great match but we had to as those guys are playing really well too," said Jamie Murray. "I think we should be proud of the way we played and competed from start to finish. We’re back in the tie and gives us some momentum back in the tie going into tomorrow's matches." Great Britain took the first set comfortably in 26 minutes. Argentina broke serve to lead in the second and went on to level the match at one set all. The third set went with serve until the seventh game when Argentina moved in front with a break as Andy struggled with his first serve. But Britain broke back immediately with a clever return down the line from Jamie sealing the set. There was nothing to separate the sides in the fourth set which went with serve until the tenth game where the Murrays broke at the crucial moment to claim victory. The win by Britain sets up a fascinating third day with Andy having to fight Guido Pella in the first of Sunday's reverse singles. Argentina is looking to reach their fourth final in 10 years. But the side will need the claim the crucial point in Sunday's reverse singles rubbers before they find a place in the final. The winners of the tie will face France or Croatia in the final. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Murray brothers keep Britain afloat in Davis Cup

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal on Friday pulled out of the opening Davis Cup playoff singles against India owing to an upset stomach, the tournament&#39;s official website stated. 
 
Nadal was to play Indian Ramkumar Ramanathan on Friday. 
 
Feliciano Lopez will replace&nbsp;the former world number one who lost to Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the fourth round of the US Open earlier this month. 
 
Nadal is hoping to feature in Sunday&#39;s reverse singles against Saketh Myneni at the RK Khanna stadium in New Delhi, Reuters reported. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Feliciano Lopez will replace?Nadal who hopes to feature in Sunday's reverse singles against Saketh Myneni

Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal on Friday pulled out of the opening Davis Cup playoff singles against India owing to an upset stomach, the tournament's official website stated. Nadal was to play Indian Ramkumar Ramanathan on Friday. Feliciano Lopez will replace the former world number one who lost to Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the fourth round of the US Open earlier this month. Nadal is hoping to feature in Sunday's reverse singles against Saketh Myneni at the RK Khanna stadium in New Delhi, Reuters reported. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Davis Cup: Nadal pulls out of opening singles citing upset stomach

Australian number one Nick Kyrgios has said he is ready to play this week&#39;s Davis Cup World Group play-off against Slovakia.&nbsp; 
 
Bernard Tomic and doubles specialists, John Peers and Sam Groth, complete the team to face Slovakia from September 16-18. 
 
Kyrgios ranked 15 in the world, downplayed his hip injury and said he was ready. Last week he was forced to quit the US Open third round in tears.&nbsp; 
 
He trained with the team ahead of the weekend&#39;s tie at Sydney&#39;s Ken Rosewall Arena.&nbsp; 
 
He told reporters in Sydney, &quot;I wouldn&#39;t be here if I didn&#39;t want to play.&quot; 
 
&quot;I feel ready. I&#39;m playing probably the best tennis I have,&quot;&nbsp;AFP quoted him as saying.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve hit twice since I&#39;ve been here and been going for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so it&#39;s feeling good and I&#39;m feeling confident with it. 
 
&quot;I just got a niggling injury that came out of nowhere almost. (But) I feel I&#39;ve been going pretty well. I&#39;ve been on the rise the whole year. I&#39;ve been playing well. I feel confident and I think we can do great things.&quot; 
 
He made his tennis debut in 2013 and has only played four ties, with a 3-4 win-loss record in singles. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Nick Kyrgios was forced to quit the third-round of the US Open in tears due to his hip injury

Australian number one Nick Kyrgios has said he is ready to play this week's Davis Cup World Group play-off against Slovakia. Bernard Tomic and doubles specialists, John Peers and Sam Groth, complete the team to face Slovakia from September 16-18. Kyrgios ranked 15 in the world, downplayed his hip injury and said he was ready. Last week he was forced to quit the US Open third round in tears. He trained with the team ahead of the weekend's tie at Sydney's Ken Rosewall Arena. He told reporters in Sydney, "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to play." "I feel ready. I'm playing probably the best tennis I have," AFP quoted him as saying. "I've hit twice since I've been here and been going for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half, so it's feeling good and I'm feeling confident with it. "I just got a niggling injury that came out of nowhere almost. (But) I feel I've been going pretty well. I've been on the rise the whole year. I've been playing well. I feel confident and I think we can do great things." He made his tennis debut in 2013 and has only played four ties, with a 3-4 win-loss record in singles. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tennis: 'Ready for Davis Cup', says Australian number one Nick Kyrgios

Davis Cup holders Britain edged into a 2-1 lead in Serbia after Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot won Saturday&#39;s doubles. 
 
Rain meant only one of Friday&#39;s two scheduled singles were completed but Serbia quickly squared up the quarter-final on day two as Dusan Lajovic thrashed James Ward 6-1 6-3 6-2. 
 
However, Murray and Inglot were too strong for veteran Nenad Zimonjic and Filip Krajinovic, winning 6-1 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 to put Britain one rubber away from the semi-finals. 
 
Serbia are without world number one Novak Djokovic while Wimbledon champion Andy Murray travelled with his British teammates, but will not feature in the tie. 
 
In other action Argentina lead Italy 2-1 in Pesaro while Wimbledon doubles champions Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert won Saturday&#39;s doubles to give France a 2-1 lead over the Czech Republic. 
 
The US lead Croatia 2-0 in the other World Group tie. 
 
(Reuters)

Britain's Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot won Saturday's doubles match

Davis Cup holders Britain edged into a 2-1 lead in Serbia after Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot won Saturday's doubles. Rain meant only one of Friday's two scheduled singles were completed but Serbia quickly squared up the quarter-final on day two as Dusan Lajovic thrashed James Ward 6-1 6-3 6-2. However, Murray and Inglot were too strong for veteran Nenad Zimonjic and Filip Krajinovic, winning 6-1 6-7(2) 6-3 6-4 to put Britain one rubber away from the semi-finals. Serbia are without world number one Novak Djokovic while Wimbledon champion Andy Murray travelled with his British teammates, but will not feature in the tie. In other action Argentina lead Italy 2-1 in Pesaro while Wimbledon doubles champions Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert won Saturday's doubles to give France a 2-1 lead over the Czech Republic. The US lead Croatia 2-0 in the other World Group tie. (Reuters)

Davis Cup: Britain take 2-1 lead over Serbia in quarter-final

Jack Sock rallied to stun Marin Cilic 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday and put the United States on the road to a 2-0 lead over Croatia in their Davis Cup World Group quarter-final tie. 
 
The triumph for the 26th-ranked Sock over world number 12 Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, was followed by American John Isner&#39;s 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Borna Coric. 
 
The formidable doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan can clinch the best-of-five match tie on the outdoor hardcourt at Tualtin Hills Tennis Club in Portland, Oregon, today. 
 
Croatians Ivan Dodig and Marin Draganja are slated to take on the brothers, trying to push things to the reverse singles on Sunday. 
 
Sock fired 17 aces against Cilic, who came into the tie trying to put behind him a five-set quarter-final loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. 
 
But having forced a decisive fifth set, the American surrendered an early break that appeared to set Cilic on his way. 
 
Sock, however, broke back in the fifth game, and while he couldn&#39;t convert three break points in the seventh, he gained the last break he needed in the ninth, when Cilic sent a high backhand volley wide. 
 
&quot;A little bit disappointing with that, just to lose that opportunity of getting that lead in the fifth set,&quot; Cilic said. &quot;When I gave him a chance to come back I felt that he started to play also really well.&quot; 
 
Sock got a little shaky serving it out, double-faulting twice before surviving two break points to seal the match after three hours and 13 minutes. 
 
&quot;I haven&#39;t played a ton of five-setters in my career,&quot; said Sock, who was playing his first Davis Cup match on home soil. 
 
&quot;Haven&#39;t come back from two sets to love down. To do that today, in front of the home crowd for the team, it feels extra special today.&quot; 
 
Isner, ranked 16th in the world, fired 23 aces and fended off all eight break points he faced in a match lasting just under two hours. 
 
Having withstood 54th-ranked Coric&#39;s early assault on his serve, which included break points in six of Isner&#39;s first seven service games, Isner broke the Croatian in the final game of each of the first two sets to take a comfortable lead. 
 
After breaking to lead 3-1 in the third, Isner stayed the course, finishing off the match with a final ace. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re up 2-0, we&#39;re in a good spot,&quot; Isner said. 
 
While the United States are the most successful Davis Cup nation ever, with 32 titles, they were ousted in the first round the past two years by Britain. 
 
They last played in the semi-finals in 2012, when they fell 3-1 at Spain. 
 
The winners of the best-of-five match tie will take on either the Czech Republic or France in the semi-finals. 
 
The Czechs and French were tied 1-1 after the opening day of their tie in Prague. 
 
(AFP)

While the US are the most successful Davis Cup nation ever, with 32 titles, they were ousted in the first round the past 2 years by Britain

Jack Sock rallied to stun Marin Cilic 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 on Friday and put the United States on the road to a 2-0 lead over Croatia in their Davis Cup World Group quarter-final tie. The triumph for the 26th-ranked Sock over world number 12 Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, was followed by American John Isner's 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Borna Coric. The formidable doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan can clinch the best-of-five match tie on the outdoor hardcourt at Tualtin Hills Tennis Club in Portland, Oregon, today. Croatians Ivan Dodig and Marin Draganja are slated to take on the brothers, trying to push things to the reverse singles on Sunday. Sock fired 17 aces against Cilic, who came into the tie trying to put behind him a five-set quarter-final loss to Roger Federer at Wimbledon. But having forced a decisive fifth set, the American surrendered an early break that appeared to set Cilic on his way. Sock, however, broke back in the fifth game, and while he couldn't convert three break points in the seventh, he gained the last break he needed in the ninth, when Cilic sent a high backhand volley wide. "A little bit disappointing with that, just to lose that opportunity of getting that lead in the fifth set," Cilic said. "When I gave him a chance to come back I felt that he started to play also really well." Sock got a little shaky serving it out, double-faulting twice before surviving two break points to seal the match after three hours and 13 minutes. "I haven't played a ton of five-setters in my career," said Sock, who was playing his first Davis Cup match on home soil. "Haven't come back from two sets to love down. To do that today, in front of the home crowd for the team, it feels extra special today." Isner, ranked 16th in the world, fired 23 aces and fended off all eight break points he faced in a match lasting just under two hours. Having withstood 54th-ranked Coric's early assault on his serve, which included break points in six of Isner's first seven service games, Isner broke the Croatian in the final game of each of the first two sets to take a comfortable lead. After breaking to lead 3-1 in the third, Isner stayed the course, finishing off the match with a final ace. "We're up 2-0, we're in a good spot," Isner said. While the United States are the most successful Davis Cup nation ever, with 32 titles, they were ousted in the first round the past two years by Britain. They last played in the semi-finals in 2012, when they fell 3-1 at Spain. The winners of the best-of-five match tie will take on either the Czech Republic or France in the semi-finals. The Czechs and French were tied 1-1 after the opening day of their tie in Prague. (AFP)

Davis Cup: Sock shocks Cilic, USA take 2-0 lead over Croatia

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