ITF ‘disagrees’ with Australia

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has expressed its displeasure at Tennis Australia’s (TA) decision to pull out of the Davis Cup third round match and awarded the tie to India.

“The ITF regrets and respectfully disagrees with the decision of Tennis Australia to default its upcoming Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Asia/Oceania Zone Group I third round tie against India, scheduled to be played in Chennai on 8-10 May.”

“By virtue of its decision not to send a team to compete against India, Australia has forfeited the tie. India is declared the winner and will advance to the Davis Cup World Group Play-offs, scheduled for 18-20 September. The draw for the Play-off Round will be held on 12 May at the ITF Offices in Roehampton.”

The Davis Cup Committee will assess the possible sanctions against Australia. The team faces a likely expulsion from the competition in 2010.