McEnroe says US is ready for India

U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe expects American pride to shine when his team takes on India in a Davis Cup qualifying tie next week.

The October 12-14 tie in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was originally scheduled for September, but was postponed because of the attacks on the U.S.

At stake is a berth in the World Group in 2002, and McEnroe believes his squad -- rising young star Andy Roddick, veteran Todd Martin and Wimbledon doubles champions Don Johnson and Jared Palmer -- are prepared for the task.

"I think for all the guys the emotional aspect will definitely be there," McEnroe told Reuters in a telephone interview from his home in New York.

"I think under the circumstances there will be even more pride in wearing USA on our jackets and playing for our country.

"I think the crowd will be there for us. We have to put it in perspective that it's just a tennis match, but it's our way of standing up for the values we have in this country."

The postponement may have helped the squad in some ways. McEnroe said Roddick had been able to recover from an ankle injury while Martin had time to heal from various injuries that have taken hold in the latter stages of his career.

SINGLES SLOT

Tour newcomers James Blake and Robby Ginepri will also travel to Winston-Salem with the team.

Blake, a former Harvard University student, reached the semifinals of the Japan Open with a win over Chilean Marcelo Rios and could play himself into a shot at a singles slot on the team.

McEnroe admitted there was a chance he would bench the 31-year-old Martin in favour of Blake.

"Todd is there as a safety valve and it is a testament to the kind of guy he is that he's willing to come knowing he might not play," McEnroe said.

"He has some physical issues and it will depend on if he has a great week in practice. If not, he's willing to be there just to support the team.

"Many guys in Todd's shoes, who have been in a couple of Grand Slam finals, would not do what he's doing, but that's what Davis Cup should be all about."

McEnroe said he did not take India lightly, even though the Americans seemed vulnerable only in the doubles, where Grand Slam champions Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi are as accomplished a team as Johnson and Palmer.

McEnroe cautioned that Paes thrived on Davis Cup and could make a mark in the singles if given a chance.

"The last thing I want us to do is underestimate Leander Paes," McEnroe said. "The best matches he's played in singles have been in Davis Cup. He can be dangerous, especially that first day.

"We don't want to go into Saturday's doubles at one-all with India because that's a pressure situation we don't need."