GOTHENBURG, Sweden, The 1987, Davis Cup final ended on Sunday as it had begun 48 hours earlier, with winning tennis from Sweden and winning smiles from India.

To no one’s surprise, least of all their own, India sustained further defeats in the reverse singles to become the third nation to suffer a 50 rout Since the challenge round was abolished in 1972,

The United States, against Australia in 1973, and Italy, against the Americans in 1979, are the only other Countries to have endured similar white washes.

‘Sweden, appearing in their fifth successive final, were assured of the trophy for a fourth time on Saturday ‘when Joakim Nystrom and Mats Wi ander gave them an unassailable 3.0 ‘end by beating Indian brothers Anand ‘and Vijay Amritraj in what proved to be the conclusive doubles.

‘The Indians neither sought nor were granted any sympathy on the final day when Anders Jarryo beat Ramesh Krishnan 64, 63and Wilander over Whelmed 34yearold veteran Amritraj 62, 60.

While the Davis Cup records will suggest a one-sided humiliation, no Cone should belitle India’s role in what ‘was a richly entertaining and friendly contest.

‘The Indians may have been whipped 50, but they will leave Sweden— ‘Amritraj to his film production company in Hollywood, Krishnan to his home in Madras — with their pride and dignity intact something Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe conspicuously failed to do when they lost the 1984 final in Gothenburg,

India reached their third Davis Cup final — they lost to Australia in 1966 and refused to play South Africa in 1974—strictly on merit after excellent victories over Argentina, Israel and the Australians,

“At two sets down to Martin Jaite and with Argentina leading by two ‘matches to one in the first round, we were one set away from a relegation playoff in Czechoslovakia which ‘would have cost India our place in the world group”, said a beaming Amritraj.

“Instead, I won a game with mishit, beat Jaite in five sets and Ramesh ‘emerged victorious from the fifth and decisive rubber.

“I really believe it was predestined that we should reach the final, so forget the result —just as all the Indian players will —I’m ecstatic just to have been playing here”.

Article extracted from this publication >>  December 25, 1987

 

Article extracted from this publication >>