NEW DELHI: The United States wrapped up a 5-0 victory over India March 27 in its Davis Cup World Group first round fixture with Jim Courier and Todd Martin taking the reverse singles matches Courier the world No.4 lost the first set to Indian No.1 Leander Paes but eventually overpowered his opponent 6-7 (5-7). 6-1 6-4 in a two -and-a-half hour long encounter.
“Paes is a very dangerous player especially on grass” Courier said after his victory.
Martin had little trouble in defeating Indias Zeeshan Ali 6-2 7-5 in the other match.
American captain Tom Gullik son said he was now “pretty confident” of winning the second round tie against Holland which beat Belgium in its first round match at Eindhoven.
“We have got players suited for any kind of surface. And Pete (Sampras the world No.1) has also made himself available” Gullikson said.
Paes a former Wimbledon and U.S. Open junior champion sparkled in patches as he wrested the first set from Courier.
Courier who committed six double faults in the match began by breaking Paes serve in the first game in the opening act. Courier made it 2-0 on his own serve before the Indian broke back for 2-2.
Paes shot into a 4-1 lead in the tie break and the American lifted to level at 5-5 before Paes won the TCXL two points.
The strain of playing on three consecutive days showed on Paes as he wilted under pressure from Courier who took the next two sets with some case.
The weakest link in the Indian side Zeeshan Ali was no match for Martin in the other match although the Indian did put up spirited resistance in the second set.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 1, 1994
