AITA likely to rope in Ramesh, Anand

AITA likely to rope in Ramesh, Anand
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

CHENNAI, DECEMBER 17: India is all set to follow the Australian Tennis Federation's example in appointing former Davis Cuppers as non-playing captain and coach for the national team.

The All-India Tennis Association (AITA) has written to former Davis Cup stars Ramesh Krishnan and Anand Amritraj to find out their availability. The AITA decision follows the resignation of Jaideep Mukerjea as non-playing captain following differences with Leander Paes. Enrico Piperno's term as Davis Cup coach is also ending next week and the AITA is unlikely to renew his contract.

Talking to PTI, Ramesh confirmed that Anil Khanna, the AITA secretary, had spoken to him over phone and written to him, seeking his concurrance. ``I had sought a couple of days time before deciding on the offer,'' Ramesh revealed.

According to the buzz in tennis circles, the AITA has more or less decided to have both Ramesh and Anand -- one as coach and the other as captain. Their approval letters would be placed before AITA general body inMumbai next week, which would decide who should be the coach and captain.

AITA's decision to make good use of the rich experience of both Anand and Ramesh follows the successful showing of the Australian team, the Davis Cup winners, who have Tony Roche and John Newcombe as coach and captain respectively.

The Amritraj brothers -- Vijay and Ashok -- are likely to be in Chennai by the middle of next week, while Anand will arrive here this Sunday.

New Delhi: Meanwhile, Enrico Piperno denied rumours that he has parted ways as Bhupathi's personal coach on the ATP Tour.

``It's untrue, I am in regular touch with him over the phone,'' Piperno told The Indian Express.

Khanna also told this paper that what the team needed was a masseur, a doctor and perhaps, a physiotherapist.

``I think a masseur is good for the team, to help them relax after the games and get them going and Sanjay Singh is doing a good job. He knows the players well and they are comfortable with him,'' Khanna said. He alsohinted that Dr Vece Paes may come in as team doctor.