Bhupathi defends Amritraj, Paes blames it on media

Media reports suggested that Amritraj picked up the ailment during a late night party before the tie but Bhupathi said it was unfair to criticise the US-based player for going to a birthday bash.

“What I know, it was merely a birthday party where I was also invited but did not go. No alcohol was involved. We are all professionals and know where to draw the line,” Bhupathi said after he and Rohan Bopanna took India’s lead to 2-1 with their doubles win.

There were reports that Amritraj was unhappy at being left out of the team despite being ‘fit’. But Bhupathi said it was nothing more than a case of media putting words into his mouth.

“How can we blame Prakash? He was inundated with calls from the media and was asked all sorts of ridiculous questions on drinking and partying. You try to ignore it but have to react at some point,” Bhupathi said.