A key player in India's Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan, Prakash Amritraj on Wednesday allayed fears of his under preparedness owing to a stomach ailment and said he was fit and confident to take the courts on Friday.
The stomach ailment kept Prakash out of practice for a day but on Wednesday he sweated it out for the entire session at the National Sports Club of India.
"I am feeling good. I have fully recovered and had a full practice session today. I am feeling comfortable and looking forward to the tie," Prakash told reporters.
India's non-playing captain Leander Paes has made it clear that Rohan Bopanna is the spearhead of the team and that leaves him with Prakash and promising Somdev Dev Varman to pick from for the second singles player.
Somdev, a student of University of Virginia, has played much of his tennis in hard courts but does not have too much of experience on grass.
It is not bothering the 22-year-old much though.
"I do not have much experience of playing on grass courts; played a couple of matches as a junior player. I have played a lot of indoor tennis. But I am comfortable on grass. I am getting better and had good practice in the last two days," said Somdev, who is yet to make his Davis Cup debut.
Much will depend on Bopanna, who will play in singles and partner Mahesh Bhupathi for the all-important doubles tie.
"I am not feeling any pressure. I will focus on playing my natural game. Playing for three days will not be a problem for me," Bopanna said.
The Uzbekistan team sounded confident that they will push the Indians hard at their home turf this time.
"We are confident of putting up a good show. This will be the second time that we will play on grass in India. We are at our best. With Paes not playing doubles, we have a chance," said Uzbek top player Denis Istomin.