India's Davis Cup captain Leander Paes is in a dilemma over who will play the singles in the Asia Oceania Group One semi-final against Uzbekistan, starting at the Jai Club grass courts in Jaipur on April 29.
"Prakash Amritraj and Harsh Mankad both are in great shape and played well at DLTA grass courts against China. I too am always eager to play in singles, especially in Davis Cup. But my aim is to field the best Indian team on the day," Leander told reporters after reaching Jaipur with his father Dr Vece Paes on Tuesday.
Leander, who was in high spirits after winning the doubles title in Barcelona on Sunday, said the fact that Mankad had lost twice to Denis Istomin will have no bearing on the selection of the team.
"Past is past. Whatever has happened plays no role now. I will have a look at the guys at the practice and then, according to situation, the best team will be chosen. As far as Prakash is concerned he has game tailor-made for grass and Harsh too can excel on any fast surface including grass," he said.
Paes and his Serbian partner Nenad Zimonjic won their second title in two weeks, winning the Open Seat Godo in Barcelona on Sunday, beating the Spanish duo of Rafael Nadal and Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-3 in the final.
The triumph win followed their Masters Series title at Monte Carlo last week. This was their third career title as a team. Their first was in Delray Beach in 2003.
"I have not had a look at the Uzbeks but grass is certainly going to help us. Jaipur has been my favourite hunting ground and it was on my insistence that Jaipur has been chosen as the venue," he said recalling his wins over players like Wayne Ferriera, Richard Krajicek and Paradorn Srichaphan here.
Talking about the new players in the Indian team, Paes said that he is happy to see many good youngsters.
"Prakash and Harsh have produced some very good performances. They played brilliantly against China and Karan Rastogi and Rohan Bopanna are also there," he said.
He said the youngesters are pushing the seniors too hard for a place in the team which was a good sign.
"I have been playing singles and doubles for India for too long. I have shouldered too much burden for past few years. I am relieved that these youngesters are here and we have an option to choose from.
Talking about his partner Serbia's Nenad Zimonjic, with whom he won the doubles title in Barcelaona, Leander said, "He is a very hard working person.
"I have developed a very good chemistry with him, his youth and my experience blend very well. Our combination is going to continue for some time."
On his mixed doubles partner, Martina Navratilova, Paes said the two would continue to play together.
Asked why he could not perform well at Wimbledon though grass is his favourite surface, Paes said he had no regrets.
"I have five titles at Wimbledon, four in doubles and one in juniors. I think that is sufficient. The grass their saps much energy, you need speed and toughness to excel their. I think I am quite strong but still I lacked a bit of strength.
"But look at my record at the US Open which is also a fast surface. I have very good results there."
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