New Delhi: A consistent Delhi Dreams face a very tricky opponent in Pune Marathas as the two teams clash for the inaugural Champions Tennis League (CTL) title at R K Khanna Tennis Stadium on Wednesday.
Delhi have a solid team and by far the most impressive, but Cyprus star Marcos Baghdatis and world number six Agnieszka Radwanska will pose a good challenge for the hosts.
South Africa's world number 16 Kevin Anderson should start as favourite to win the men's singles for Delhi but Jelena Jankovic has her task cut out against Radwanska, who has comparatively quicker hands and better movements on the court.
Juan Carlos Ferrero has won all his legends singles matches, conceding only a few games, and is again expected to give Delhi a flying start tomorrow as he faces Pat Cash, who has not been able to win a single match for his side.
The 34-year-old Spaniard is still supremely fit and good enough to beat many current players and the 49-year-old Australian would be easy meat for him.
Ferrero, the 2003 French Open winner, said Delhi have clicked as a team, fighting hard in all matches.
"It's a very good team effort. We did a great job. We were consistent and fought really well. I am proud of the team," he said on the eve of the final.
Ferrero said it was not a surprise to see Pune in the final.
"It's a strong team with Baghdatis, who is solid. Then Radwanska is there. It's impossible to be surprised to find them as finalists."
"First year is always challenging. We had remarkable players, who were incredibly supportive of what we wanted to achieve. They did more than what they were supposed to do," he said.
However, Amritraj said getting the top players is going to be very "challenging" in a very tight calendar.
"Availability of the top players is challenging. They are tied up in long seasons."
Asked what has been the best part of the CTL, Cash said," "It's the format, the exposure for Indian players. The Indian players are very impressive. They were better than expected.
They are close to breaking into big league."
Indian Davis Cupper Saketh Myneni said his experience has been very good playing alongside Baghdatis and others in Pune team.
"It's a great learning experience. They are legends. It was great exposure talking to them. It was a blast for me, getting to play (doubles) with Baghdatis and then watching him play (singles)."
Sanam Singh also shared the same sentiment playing for Delhi.
"It's unbelievable. To share the court with these players is amazing. I was fortunate enough to play. Glad I have been able to contribute."
Jelene Jankovic had words of praise for young Karman Kaur Thandi, who is part of the Delhi team as a junior player.
"She is a promising player and have a great future." Asked what her message to Indian girls would be, she said," Believe in yourself. It's possible. I came from a small country like Serbia."
The former world number one said she had a great time in India.
"It has turned out to be great. Helping the next generation of players. I am happy I came, had a great time.
Could not have asked for more."
Cash also shared the same sentiment.
"We are having fun but it is serious tennis. Every meal is like a feast. India's hospitality is amazing."
Comments
0 comment