Istomin a threat to India

There's a hint of confidence about Denis Istomin. Fresh from his exploits at the Australian Open, where he lost to former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt in a tight, well-fought four-setter in the second round, the six-feet tall Istomin carries the burden of Uzbekistan's hopes of upsetting India in the Davis Cup tie here. "I'm feeling good. I played well at the Australian Open and I'm in good form," he said with a smile.

Not a great grasscourt player, the Uzbek is still ranked 184, considerably higher than Rohan Bopanna and Prakash Amritraj, the two possible Indian singles players for the Feb 8-10 tie. A strong server, Istomin prefers to play from the baseline with a game plan that revolves around his backhand.

On grass, that will have to change. But Istomin isn't betraying any nerves. "India is a good team. Every doubles team in India is good but the singles also have to be won and we've good singles players. We will start hitting on grass on Saturday. That's enough time to be ready," Istomin remarked.


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