'Underdogs' India will put up best show in Davis Cup tie against Spain: Paes

On the eve of the Davis Cup World Group playoff tie against Spain, Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has said that although they are heading into the event as 'underdogs', he and his entire side will try to put their best foot forward.

"Yes, it is going to be a really tough time for us. We have got the Spaniards. To go out there and put our best foot forward is our responsibility. So, I am looking forward to it," Paes told ANI in an exclusive interview.

"Whenever you are playing against 14-time Grand Slam champion or number 13 in the world as an opponent, you are definitely going to the ties as underdogs. But having said that, we have nothing to lose. To go out there, swing freely and play hard and bring the best game is what we are looking forward to," he added.

Meanwhile, Saketh Myneni, who made an opening-round exit in the recently-concluded US Open, also described Spain as 'mighty giants' before adding that they are looking forward to the challenge.

"We are ready for it. I think it will be a tough challenge for us as we are the biggest underdogs. But I think it is a good motivation factor for us to perform well and do well against all of the mighty giants like the Spanish team. They have been doing well from last 10 years. And they are mighty favourites in the Davis Cup. So, it will be a big challenge," he said.

India's Ram Kumar Ramanathan will begin the contest on Friday when he takes on Spanish maestro Rafael Nadal in the opening rubber at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium, while Myneni has been drawn against David Ferrer in the second men's singles clash.

In men's doubles event, the Indian duo of Leander Paes and Myneni will compete against Spanish pair of Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez.

Myneni is then scheduled to face 14-time Grand Slam champion Nadal in the first reverse singles contest while should a fifth rubber be required then it will be Ramanathan taking on Ferrer.

Earlier, Rohan Bopanna pulled out of the Indian Davis Cup squad against Spain, citing that he had been asked to rest his injured knee.