Nungambakkam Tennis Centre in Chennai will host the Davis Cup tie between India and Australia in May this year, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said today (18th March). The Asia-Oceania Group I third-round tie, which will see the winner advance to the play-offs for the elite World Group, will be held from May 8-10. The AITA decided to give away its long tradition of hosting the home ties on grass court for the first time in 30 years.

 

This decision was taken to help India's number one tennis player Somdev Devvarman.  Earlier, Devvarman had reached the ATP Chennai Open final at the same venue in January. AITA Secretary Anil Khanna said that, the non-playing captain informed the association that the players are very keen to play the tie in Chennai, especially because of the previous performance of Somdev Devvarman in Chennai Open in January.

 

He also added that, the Chennai court would not only help Somdev, but the other players in the squad are also familiar with the surface as they have all played there during the Chennai Open. However, India would have a tough task against a formidable Australian side, which is fielding Lleyton Hewitt and Chris Guccione in the singles.