Former Davis Cup captain Vijay Amritraj believes Sania Mirza may have let slip an opportunity to upset some big names and climb the rankings by pulling out of the WTA Bangalore Open.
Amritraj said home advantage works wonders for an athlete, and since Sania was in great form at the Australian Open, she could have toppled a few big names with her fans cheering her.
The player-turned commentator, however, said she should know what's best for her.
"It is strange that this kind of thing has happened. She is a kind of player who can reach the top-20 and you have to give yourself a good shot to do it," Amritraj said.
Sania pulled out of the Bangalore Open saying she wanted to avoid unnecessary controversies that have mired her playing career.
"She needs to make the right calls. She was wonderful in the Australian Open and if she had the chance of beating a top player there, it was Venus Williams," he said.
"She is in great form at the moment and it was a good opportunity to do that with the crowd support. There is nothing like playing in front of a home crowd. India can't wait for Sania to be in the top-20. But, all said and done, she knows how she is feeling and takes her call; it depends on her scheduling," he said.
Amritraj added that an athlete should make a decision after a lot of thought.
"When I left the game, I felt I had given everything and I didn't have any regrets. Sania is 20 years old and in terrific form now. As a sportsperson, you should make sure that one does not have any regrets after you leave the game."
He welcomed the teaming of estranged partners Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, saying it augurs well for the country provided the focus is on their game.
"They have had their differences. They might play on the same side of the court, but sitting on the different side of the bench will certainly not help. They might be a little rusty in the beginning but they have played for long to know each other's strength," he said.
Asked about Somdev Dev Varman making his Davis Cup debut against Uzbekistan on Friday, he replied Varman is a "determined" youngster but it remains to be seen how he performs on grass.
"Davis Cup is a test of character because it tests you in different conditions. You need to believe in yourself. It will be a challenge for him here."
On his son Prakash being left out of the singles, Amritraj said it is the captain's call.
"Prakash had a bit of stomach problem and it depends on how he felt. There are fitness issues and many other things that are taken into consideration."
He, however, felt that Bhupathi's return to the Davis Cup side is a big plus for India.
"He has recovered very well and is in good form at the moment and as long as he can serve India, it is good for the country."
