SYDNEY, Sept, 26, Reuter: India’s Davis Cup squad believe Australia’s Pat Cash hold the key to next week’s World Group semifinals.
“If Cash loses, you’re dead”, veteran Vijay Armitraj told Australian journalists soon after arriving in Sydney for the tie from October 24.
“Beating Cash will definitely help us out. The Australians expect him to ‘win both his matches, so if we can take ‘one of those it will definitely benefit us”, said Indian team coach Gene Malin.
The Indian team believes their chances are increased by Cash’s indifferent form since he won Wimbledon in July. But they realize the Davis Cup brings the best out of the 221yearold.
“Cash has already proved he is a great Davis Cup player. He Is a totally different player in Davis Cup”, said ‘Armitraj.
Cash won the cup final against Sweden almost singlehanded last year on the same grass surface that the 1987 semifinal will be played on.
India’s hopes of an upset lie with Ramesh Krishnan who reached the {quarterfinals of the U.S. open. Cash ‘was knocked out in the first round.
Pm very happy with the way I’m playing, but Australia always play ell at home on grass”, Krishnan told journalists.
Armitraj, sporting a “Crocodile Dundee” hat as good luck charm, was‘more optimistic about his team’s chances.
The way [look at it is that there is. very little pressure on us. The Australians are expected to win. If we get used to the courts we should be able to push the Australians a little”, the 33yearold said.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 2, 1987
