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Tennis crisis a shame: Anand Amritraj

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Press Trust of India Mumbai

"It's a shame. They need to resolve it by talking face to face. This whole thing is now a complete impasse. They (AITA) have picked a team. So you stand behind them and wish them best, hope they can get past Korea and then work out where you go from there," Amritraj told reporters on the sidelines of Maharashtra Tennis League, where he will mentor Mumbai team.

Eleven players, including Mahesh Bhupathi, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna, had revolted demanding better playing conditions from the AITA. AITA accommodated most of them but the players refused to change their stand, insisting that all their demands be met.

 

The AITA yesterday ignored the revolting players and named a second-string Davis Cup squad that will take on South Korea for the Asia/Oceania Group I tie from February 1 to 3.

Asked if, in his times, the players had a say in decision making, he said, "In 70s, when Vijay and I, we played in singles and doubles, we used have a large say in the decision making, not the composition of the team.

"Vijay (Amritraj) was captain, Ramesh (Krishnan) was there. We got along fine and beautifully. We got along well with federation. It always went quite smoothly. There is no reason why it shouldn't go along the same way now. I wish the team best and hope they can get through this round," he said.

"Everybody needs to move forward. Compromise and move forward. It seems to be complicated in Indian tennis, no question about that. But it is happening in cricket, football, hockey. But we always seem to have a few issues here or there. I am sure they will work it out," he said. MORE

  

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First Published: Sep 15 2010 | 2:42 PM IST

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