We`re examining players` demand, likely decision soon: AITA

Chennai: The All India Tennis Association today said they are examining the concerns of the eight elite players who have shot off a communication to the federation, demanding drastic changes in the way the country`s Davis Cup team is handled by the AITA.

The AITA said the talks are already on with the rebel players and a decision in this regard will come soon. "We are examining their concerns. We have had a conversation with the players regarding the issues they have raised. We will take up the matter in our meeting later this week and are hopeful of coming out with a solution soon," a top official of the AITA said on condition of anonymity. Somdev Devvarman, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, Vishnu Vardhan, Sanam Singh, Divij Sharan and Saketh Myneni have joined hands and sought more transparency from AITA in matters related to the functioning of India`s Davis Cup team. In their communication, the eight players, who form the core of the country`s Davis Cup team, have said that if the AITA fails to meet their demands they are ready to boycott India`s David Cup tie against South Korea at the Capital from February 1-3. It has been learnt that more rational distribution of prize money, change in support staff, smoother travel arrangements and player involvement in team decisions are among a host of demands which the players have placed before the AITA. According to media reports, the players want the 70-year-old non-playing captain S P Mishra and coach Nandal Bal to be replaced with immediate effect. PTI