Mahesh Bhupathi drops hints of playing the Korea tie

Chennai: Veteran Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi indicated that all his issues with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) have been sorted out and he may represent the country in the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Korea.

Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna were banned by AITA for defying the London Olympics selection but Karnataka High Court had stayed the ban when the players appealed against it. Both Bhupathi and Bopanna had refused to team up with Leander Paes for the London Games.

"I have made myself available. AITA had sent me an email asking me whether I am available for selection and I have said that I am available. "Court case has been stayed for months and months ago. As far as I know, the AITA has sent me an email asking me whether I am available for selection. I have said that I am available.

Bhupathi indicated that all his issues with the AITA have been sorted out and he may play in the upcoming Davis Cup.

Obviously, it is good that they have done that," Bhupathi said ahead of the Chennai Open. Specifically asked if he is ready to pair with any player, an apparent reference to Paes, Bhupathi said, "I have made myself available. That is the bottom line. There is no point in speculating as to who is going to play with me. They asked me whether I am going to play, I said yes."

Talking about Chennai Open, the season-opener, Bhupathi there are several contenders for the title. "Daniel ask me about it last year and we have playing. Planning to play with him the whole season. Besides us, Leander and Roger are strong combination. Rohan and Rajiv Ram is a dangerous duo. Obviously we are all playing with new partners for the first time and it is going to be interesting," he said.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)