"Shameful", "unfortunate" and "disappointing" was how the Indian tennis fraternity on Saturday termed Australia's decision to pull out from next month's Davis cup-tie in Chennai, allowing the host to advance to the World Group without contest.
India's non-playing captain SP Misra felt India had a good chance of winning the tie this time and it was unfortunate that they have moved to the world group without playing. "We were getting ready for the tie and were sure of hosting Australian players. Even if not the best, at least they would have sent some players. I don't know what they have in their mind but I feel we had a good chance to win this time," Misra told PTI.
"We were preparaing to assemble in Chennai on May 3. It is quite disappointing for us," he added.
Tennis Australia today pulled out of the next month's Davis Cup tie against India, citing security concerns after the ITF rejected their plea to shift the Asia-Oceania Group I tie from Chennai.
"Now we go to the next round and unfortunately we have advanced without playing but now this gives us time to prepare for the play off. Last time we had gone to Romania and
lets see what draw we get this time, hopefully we will get a favourable draw," Misra said.
"Now we go to the next round and unfortunately we have advanced without playing but now this gives us time to prepare for the play off. Last time we had gone to Romania and
lets see what draw we get this time, hopefully we will get a favourable draw," Misra said.
"Yuki has won an ITF title today and it is a good sign for Indian Davis Cup team. We will consolidate and will prepare well to advance to the world group," Misra added.
Indian Tennis legend Ramanathan Krishnan reckoned it could have been yet another
good event and it was shameful on Australia's apart to withdraw in this way.
"It is unfortunate that Australia has pulled out from the tie. We have played Australia a number of times in Chennai and it could have been yet another good event," Krishnan said.
"Tennis loving people of Chennai have been looking forward to it. It came to Chennai after a gap of three decades inspite of the general elections. People are disappointed that the Australians have pulled out of the Davis Cup tie.
"It is shame that they pulled out and gave a walk over. It is unfortunate," he added.
The septuagenarian felt security was a global issue and not confined to a particular nation.
"Things are all different today than before. No body is at fault. Things are all changing rapidly all over the world. Now they are saying that there is no problem here or there. People might even say that they do not want to go to Australia to play a tie. This is not a problem in Chennai or India. There is problem all over the world.
"What happened in Pakistan to Sri Lankan Cricket team? So everywhere things are happening and things are getting bad in some places. It is unfortunate for sports," Krishnan said.