Leander Paes threw a challenge at his young teammates and Praskah Amritraj and Harsh Mankad transformed it into an opportunity. The duo won their matches in style, without dropping single set through the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I tie against China.
"There was always pressure going into the tie. The expectations were high and I am happy both Prakash and I were able to make most of the opportunity given," said Mankad after his reverse singles against Lu Hao on Sunday. Harsh won 6-2, 6-3 to seal a 5-0 victory for India.
The 25-year-old had given India a winning start, beating Peng Sun 7-5, 6-3, 6-2, on the opening day.
Mankad, who came into the Davis Cup tie straight after the British Satellite indoor championships, thought winning the final leg of the Tour gave him a lot of confidence.
"I had played a lot of matches and was playing some sharp tennis. We had a few practice days to get used to the court and the weather," he said.
Despite having a game more suitable for hard courts, Mankad adjusted quickly with the surface as he served and volleyed from virtually the first point of the tie.
"I think I served very well and with variation. I was able to hit the corners. I am working on serve-and-volley and am happy that it came through. Also the court was such that it was hard to hit a passing shot."
If it was all about minor adjustments for Mankad, the grass court for Amritraj was like "coming home".
"Yes, it is my favourite surface," said Amritraj, "I had played some tournaments in America on hard courts before coming here, but it's more of a mental thing. I always feel at home when playing on grass."
His first match in the rubber, on Friday, was interrupted by rain and continued the next day, but there was hardly a lapse in form for the junior Amritraj as he won 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
"It was difficult to come back and complete the game. But I had slept well and it was a beautiful sunny morning and I was feeling right," he said.
The 19-year-old was playing his first Davis Cup match at home.
"This was my first tie at home and I think it is more fun to play in front of your home crowd. Playing Davis Cup for India is something I have been dreaming about since I was a little kid and I really enjoyed playing here, especially with my dad [Indian tennis legend Vijay] watching me. He didn't say much except for that he was 'very happy and proud'."
Amritraj also said Leander was very supportive from the sidelines and did not try to influence his game too much.
"He had a lot of faith in my game and just told me to be myself."
India will next face Indonesia or Uzbekistan for a place in the World Group Play-offs.
Though Mankad feels both the sides are very good competitors, his younger partner chalked India as the favourites for the tie.
"I think on grass India will definitely have the advantage," said Amritraj.
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