Bhupathi to play Davis Cup, will miss Chennai

The curtains may still be drawn on the tennis world as the off-season continues, but Mahesh Bhupathi certainly has his hands full. He is in the Capital to oversee his ambitious project in collaboration with Apollo Tyres8212;Mission 20188212;which aims to produce an Indian Grand Slam singles champion by 2018. As he calls out instructions to his team while they supervise the children gathered at the DLTA Complex today, perhaps Bhupathi sees a glimpse of himself in the young hopefuls.

Cut back to the present, though, and a look ahead to 2008 shows it is a big year on the Indian tennis calendar. Before the Beijing Olympics, New Delhi will host a Davis Cup tie in February, and Bhupathi is ready for both. 8220;I have made myself available for the Davis Cup,8221; said Bhupathi. 8220;About Beijing, I have already said that it8217;s logical for Paes and me to pair up for Beijing, and he has expressed his willingness,8221; he adds. Interestingly, as per Olympic rules, Bhupathi has to play for his country at least once in 2007 or 2008 to be eligible for Beijing. In 2007 he did not play a Davis Cup tie.

Closer home, the upcoming edition of the Chennai Open is not part of the 33-year-old8217;s itinerary. 8220;I will not be playing in Chennai this time. I am only 90 per cent fit at the moment.The Sydney International tournament, which is the week before the Australian Open, is the target for now,8221; he said.