Mahesh Bhupathi : Will respond to Paes after winning Uzbekistan tie

Speaking from the KSLTA stadium in Bangalore TOI quoted Bhupathi as saying, "We just talked that we will focus on the match and a response (to Paes) will be given after we win the tie."

Paes was dropped from the Davis Cup squad for the first time in 27 years and responded angrily by accusing his former doubles partner of mocking the selection criteria. He also suggested that his personal equation with Bhupathi might have had a say in the team selection.

Bhupathi chose Rohan Bopanna over Paes, despite the veteran winning a Challenger title in Mexico only days before the team selection.

Back on court, Ramkumar Ramanathan and Prajensh Gunneswaran gave India a 2-0 lead in their Davis cup match against Uzbekistan on the first day of the tie. The 267th ranked  Ramanathan overcame Temur Isamilov 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 while Gunneswaran outlasted Sanjar Fayzieb 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Speaking of the results, Bhupathi said both singles players did really well to make up for the absence of Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni. who missed the tie through injuries.

“Ram, a grinder as he is, found his way through and brought us a victory, which was much needed for him, as he was lying low for quite some time," Bhupati added.