The professional circuit rankings matter little when it comes to playing for the country, said Italy’s non-playing captain Corrado Barazzutti as his team held its first practice ahead of the Davis Cup World Group qualifier tie against India.
“In Davis Cup, good rankings give you confidence, but one has to play to win.
“Many times, the rankings determine who plays first and second.
“Everything changes on the court. There are players in Davis Cup who play better in tournaments,” said Barazzutti who featured as a player in Italy’s 1976 Davis Cup triumph.
Training hard
The Italian side, led by World No. 19 Marco Cecchinato, had an extended session at the venue — Calcutta South Club — on Monday.
Cecchinato was joined by Andreas Seppi (37), Matteo Berrettini (53), Thomas Fabbiano (85) and Simone Bolelli (138), the players getting used to the grass courts.
The Italians are seeded fifth, but Barazzutti preferred to treat the unseeded Indians with respect.
“They are a good team because they have quality players and are playing at home on their preferred surface — grass. We have to play with focus and have to apply ourselves hard. I think it will be a tough tie,” said Barazzutti.
Format
About the change in the playing format, Barazzutti said he preferred the old best-of-five set format as it offered better competition.
“I played and won the Davis Cup for my country and I think the tournament was much better in the best-of-five format,” Barazzutti said.
“Changing this format is like changing the Slam events.
“You put a Slam in a best-of-three format and you play one week only. You think it is the same?
“Everything is getting fast, and then there is money too. But I don’t think the best players play for money. I don’t think (Roger) Federer plays Wimbledon, (Rafael) Nadal plays Roland Garros and (Novak) Djokovic plays Flushing Meadows for the money,” said Barazutti.