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Som likely to be dropped
The national tennis federation, it has been reliably learnt, is in no mood to accommodate the demands of the players. No matter their public pronouncements, the body is actually looking for ways to cow them down.
The national tennis federation, it has been reliably learnt, is in no mood to accommodate the demands of the players. No matter their public pronouncements, the body is actually looking for ways to cow them down.
While it may be the logical thing to do, the AITA is not in any mood to give way to the players.
Anand Amritraj as the captain is an option that is being explored, but the possibility of dropping Somdev Devvarman is still a priority given that he is being seen as the lynchpin of the revolt.
The AITA wants a captain that it can control. With SP Misra offering to resign, things have become simpler in choosing another.
There have been a series of meetings going on at the Delhi tennis complex to figure just how the present situation can be resolved.
No dictating them
The dominant theme of these interactions has been that the players can't get away with dictating terms.
While that's understandable, given that no federation would like to be dictated to, what's surprising is that no overtures are being made to engage the rebels in a straight up interaction.
Efforts are on to see which of the rebellious eight can be reined in. The AITA views the whole situation as a threat to its authority.
No time to waste between shots
Twenty-five seconds are allowed to a player between points in a tennis match. The ATP Tour has now decided to be strict in enforcing this and breach attracts a penalty.
The penalty is a warning first time around followed by an automatic fault for the server and a point forfeited by the receiver for subsequent violations.
Earlier, only multiple violations attracted a point penalty.
Janko Tipsarevic went the extent of calling it "stupid". As of now, the rule won't be implemented in Grand Slams .
"I am really glad the Slams are not supporting this," he said.
