New Delhi, Sep 16: India face an uphill battle when they take on former champions Spain in a Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium here from Friday (Sep 16).
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Although expected to breeze past the Indian team without breaking much sweat, Spain have brought over their top guns for this tie.
Spain, five-time Davis Cup champions, have been out of the World Group for the last couple of years, having suffered shock defeats to Brazil and Germany.
They are reluctant to let go of their chance to make a return to the World Group and have brought a star-studded squad including the likes of 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, World No.13 David Ferrer and the redoubtable doubles duo of Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez.
India, spearheaded by veteran Leander Paes, will field youngsters Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan in the singles matches.
It is expected to be a baptism by fire for the 21-year-old Ramanathan who was lined up to take on the mighty Nadal in Friday's first singles match -- as decided in Thursday's draw here. (Paes wants to learn from Nadal)
Ranked 137 in the world, 28-year-old Myneni will take on Ferrer in Friday's second singles clash.
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