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. However, given
that all the information is now in the public domain, we wish to
emphatically state that all of us are united in our stand against
certain practices observed in the management of the Davis Cup squad. 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.
Our
suggestions are about providing the Davis Cup squad with all the
necessary tools to make it a stronger and more competitive team than it
is currently. We have suggested the following:
1.
The team must comprise 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.
Unfortunately,
in light of the AITA Secretary General Mr. Bharat Oza's statement that
the AITA 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 wish to make it very
clear that ALL of us are, regrettably, unavailable for Davis Cup
selection unless the AITA is willing to consider and engage with us on
our very legitimate suggestions in relation to the team.
Please
understand that this statement is not and 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:
Somdev Devvarman
"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."
Vishnu Vardhan
"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."
Sanam Singh
"I
believe for us to function as a team and perform at the best of our
abilities while representing the nation at the Davis cup, our
suggestions need to be heard. We are a young team and stand united in
the belief that these changes are for the best for Indian tennis and for
us as a team moving forward."
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."
Yuki Bhambri
"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."
Divij Sharan
"Representing
the country at the Davis Cup is an honour for all of us. As players, we
are always working towards performing our best on court, and
collectively, we believe that some systemic changes are needed to help
us in this regard. We believe that this support will go a long way in getting the best out of the players."
Saketh Myneni
"We
are not rebelling, but making an attempt to open discussions on the way
forward for the sport in India. As a young, united team, we need
changes in the best interest of the Indian Davis Cup Team. "
