CHENNAI: A day after it emerged that India's ace singles player Somdev Devvarman had opted out of the September 19-October 4 Asian Games, it has been learnt that the participation of doubles players Rohan Bopanna and Leander Paes also looks doubtful.
Anand Amritraj, captain of India's Asian Games and Davis Cup team, said that as of Thursday, the participation of only four players was confirmed. "As things stand, I know for sure that four players will be coming with us to Incheon — Yuki (Bhambri), Saketh (Myneni), Sanam (Singh) and reserve Divij (Sharan). I still don't know if Rohan and Leander would be playing in the Asian Games. They haven't told me anything as yet but we will know for sure only by this Sunday," Amritraj told TNIE.
Asked if it had anything to do with the difference in opinion between the two players, Amritraj said, "They did have their differences earlier but I learnt that they had patched things up. They were supposed to play together in Incheon, so I don't think there is any problem between them now."
All India Tennis Association (AITA) general secretary Bharat Oza said that they had not received any communication from either of the players. "We have not got anything in written or any oral communication from the players as yet. So, on paper, they are still part of the team," he said.
National coach Syed Zeeshan Ali too said that he was unaware of the issue. "I have only heard rumours. Ideally, players should make themselves unavailable even before the squad is announced and not two weeks before the event. The Davis Cup team is expected to assemble in Bangalore on Sunday, so we will have a better picture by then," he said.
Like Somdev, Bopanna too has had a disappointing season and would be hoping to improve his rankings. He has won just one title in 2014, in Dubai, and in the last one year, his ranking has dipped from No 3 to No 29. The 34-year-old was not available for comment as he was travelling to India from the United States.