New Delhi, Sep 23 (Inditop.com) Davis Cup captain S.P. Misra feels India face a tough test when they travel to Russia for their World Group first round March 5-7.
India made it to the elite 16-member World Group for the first time in 11 years after beating South Africa 4-1 over the weekend. India last played in the World Group in 1999 when it lost to Italy.
The two countries have met thrice, in 1974, 1982, 1986, and India are 2-1 up head-to-head.
Since India last hosted the then USSR here, it is now Russia’s turn to host.
Misra said the harsh conditions at Russia will be prove to be challenging for the players.
“In March, it will be freezing cold in Russia. The conditions will be testing for us. Also, we will have to play on clay indoors, which does not suit our game,” Misra told IANS.
“We are not bothered about the players but the home advantage plays a crucial role. The reason why Russians lost to Israel at Tel Aviv is because they benefited from the home advantage.”
“Also, the tie will happen shortly after the Australian Open and it will be tough for us to adapt from the hard courts to clay. But we still have 5-6 months with us and we will come out with some plan. We will go out there fighting,” he said.
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