Positive results on grass by Indians an advantage ahead of Italy tie: Bhupathi

Davis Cup non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi Saturday said the recent spate of positive results by Indians on grass will give the hosts an advantage when they take on Italy in February.

"Ramkumar made the finals for Newport this year on grass, Prajnesh qualified and beat Dennis Shapovalov on grass. Seeing that grass is an advantage for us..." Bhupath told PTI on the sidelines of a Kia Motors event where 100 young tennis fans underwent a rigorous audition process to be selected as ball kids for the Australian Open 2019.

The Italians, led by world No 13 Fabio Fognini are superior to India on hard and clay courts, but might struggle on grass.

"Italy has 6 players in the top-100, where do we have a chance against them? The only logical answer is grass. Playing at home we always have a chance. In Kolkata on grass, we will throw something at them and see how it goes. Grass is our best shot," he said.

Asked about the new Davis Cup format consisting of a six-player squad playing three-set ...