With pride and points at stake, Mark Nielsen and Alistair Hunt, the top guns in the New Zealand Davis Cup team, are all set to give off their best in the face-off with the Indians in the Asia Oceania Group I Round II tie.
While for Nielsen, it's pride that's at stake against Leander Paes, who defeated him in a five-setter last year, as India won the Davis Cup tie 4-1 in Wellington, Hunt is looking to sign off with a win, the pro having decided to call it quits after the match.
Nielsen is all charged up for the tie.
"I don't have any pressure. I am ready for the tie. I arrived last night. I am here to give it my best shot," he said.
Asked about the Paes factor in the Indian team, he replied: "He is the one under pressure, playing before his home crowd. We will definitely try to avenge the defeat back home. Nothing will suit me better than winning both the singles, though I know it's easier said than done. I have won one and lost one against the Indians and will certainly try to improve that record."
Nielsen joined the Kiwi camp last night and was mighty impressed with the facilities at the South Club in Kolkata.
Continuing on the Paes issue, he said, "Leander is a very aggressive player and we have to take the battle to him right from the beginning."
Asked whether the heat would affect his game, he replied in the negative, adding, "It's hot and humid, but I have to adapt to it. Besides, if the grass dries out fast, the ball will come a little higher and more evenly, making it easier for strokeplay."
About his own game, Neilsen shared a secret or two.
"I am basically a big serve-and-volley player and love to play from the baseline, though I often charge into the net to upset my opponent.
"Forehand down-the-lines and cross-courts are my secret weapons," he laughed.
In the twilight of his career, Hunt, plagued by a series of knee surgeries over the last few years, has decided to hang his racket.
"Yes, it's been a tough 10 years in the Davis Cup. In fact it's been a disappointing career, plagued by injuries. It's going to be tough against the Indians, but I want to finish on a high note."
He lost to Paes in the last tie and knows well that Paes would hit back harder on home turf.
"I won't mind playing the first singles. It does not matter who I face. The fact that winning would fetch a point for New Zealand is my motivation," said Hunt, the most experienced player on grass in the Kiwi team.
"Paes is certainly the toughest and with Mahesh they are arguably the best doubles pair. So the tie is certainly not on the platter," he said.
Having played against Paes as a junior at Wimbledon and then again on the circuit, he has the experience on his side but injury is his biggest problem.
UNI
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