Pune: “Tennis is a very unpredictable game and specially the Davis Cup format, so we have to give our best as any result is possible,” this is how Arjun Kadhe describes his mindset ahead of the World Group playoff tie against Serbia which will be played from September 14 to 16 at Kraljevo in Serbia.
Pune boy Arjun was called as a replacement in the Davis Cup team after Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan pulled out due to injuries.
“I was playing the ATP Challenger in China. Me along with (Sriram) Balaji, Saketh (Myneni) were not sure about our selection as many things were happening. There were also last minute pull-outs due to injuries so nothing was confirmed,” Kadhe told Sakal Times in a telephonic conversation from Kraljevo.
Arjun reached the Serbian city with Balaji and Myneni directly from China ahead of other Indian team members.
“I got the call and I was happy that I got the chance to travel with the team. It is good to represent the country always. It is good to be part of Davis Cup as from next year it will be played in a completely different format,” explained Kadhe.
Ready for Clay Court Battle
India will face Serbia in the indoor clay stadium which will pose a tough challenge for the visitors.
“Clay surface is not an issue for me. I have won one singles title in Futures tournament while three trophies in the doubles contest. I have also practiced on clay courts in Valencia, Spain so I am ready for the challenge,” added Kadhe who is comfortable in playing both the formats – singles and doubles.
“I am comfortable in playing both formats. I did not prefer to stick to one format. If I had did that, then I could not had achieved what I have achieved today,” explained Kadhe.
Arjun is Davis Cup material: Iyer
Since his Under-10 days, Arjun has been groomed under Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA). “He (Arjun) was always a good player. Right from the start, we at MSLTA have always supported him. During his initial days, with the help of Lakshya Foundation we have also supported his foreign trips,” said Sunder Iyer, Secretary of MSLTA who has seen Arjun from the beginning of his career.
“I always felt that he is Davis Cup material and we kept on pushing him which has brought him good results. We also gave him wildcards for many tournaments which helped him to improve as a player,” added Iyer.
