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4th January 2012, Bangalore: Mahesh Bhupathi and the Indian Davis Cup Team have issued a joint statement with regard to their on-going feud with the All India Tennis Association, making it clear that they are ‘regrettably, unavailable for Davis Cup selection unless the AITA is willing to consider.’
This comes in light of the recent statement by AITA Secretary General Mr. Bharat Oza that they will introduce a disciplinary code for players before the Davis Cup tie against South Korea in February and that only those who sign the code will be able to represent the country.
“We have chosen to issue this statement to clarify our position as regards our suggestions to the AITA, in the context of all speculation being reported in the media. It was and is not our intention to make this a public affair, and we wished for certain matters to be amicably resolved, in private, between the AITA and the players.”
The statement further goes on to read, “We are not looking to challenge the authority of the AITA, but are making a genuine attempt to change things for the improvement of Indian tennis.”
Given the fact that the players unanimously stand against certain practices observed in the management of the Davis Cup squad, they have listed a few suggestions (below) to help make it a stronger and more competitive team than it currently is.
The Bargaining Table:
1. The team must comprise of six players to ensure adequate practice partners, while also allowing for exposure to Davis Cup playing conditions for a larger pool of Indian talent.
2. The decision-making process for choosing the surface and venue for home ties should involve the participation of all active players.
3. Professional team management to include a common team Physiotherapist and coach, a move that we believe will foster team unity.
4. A revised agreement for the distribution of Davis Cup prize money. The current ratio of distribution has been implemented based on a twenty-year-old agreement that strongly favours the AITA. We propose that, henceforth, prize money be distributed to the players after the AITA recovers all costs incurred through a Davis Cup tie.
5. All team members should be treated at par with regard to logistical arrangements.
They further went on to add that this statement ‘should not be construed as an ultimatum, but instead as a platform for change to ensure a better future for Indian Tennis.’
Personal statements from the Davis Cup Team:
“I feel our suggestions have been reasonable and have been arrived at, based on what we believe we deserve. If the AITA proposes a solution that is agreeable to all the players, I shall play for the country, if asked. If, in our opinion, the AITA’s response is unfair, I will stand united with the rest of the players and continue on our pursuit for changes in the system that I believe are necessary for the evolution of the sport and the system of sports administration in the country. My involvement will always be for the greater good of the team and what we believe is best for our team. We will not continue to function with these archaic methods of management.”
“This is not a ‘revolt’ but a mere discussion between the players and the AITA to reach a common goal of achieving the best Indian Davis Cup Team. A team that is built on merit and professionalism, and on this issue, we stand united.”
Rohan Bopanna
“These suggestions made to the AITA are for the benefit of the sport and for the future of the sport in the country. Each and every one of us currently playing for the country believe that these changes will result in a stronger and fairly selected team to represent the nation on multiple platforms.”
Mahesh Bhupathi
“It is refreshing to see the players unite on a common stance. What they are suggesting is improved infrastructure and support to enhance their performance at Davis Cup ties.
Tennis is a demanding sport physically and mentally, and these suggestions accommodate those factors. It shouldn’t be a hard decision for the AITA.
If Leander (Paes) and I could have been on the same page years ago, we would have done the same but the next generation seems to have us back on track now. I admire their desire to improve the state of affairs.”
“We work and train hard throughout the year and when performing for the nation, we want to put our best foot forward. To perform at the optimum level, we need to use the best available resources.
We are a young team and deserve a younger support staff, people with whom we can mentally connect.”
