India defend Bhupathi's Davis Cup withdrawal

India Davis Cup captain Ramesh Krishnan tried to deflect criticism of Mahesh Bhupathi on Saturday after the U.S. Open doubles champion had withdrawn from the tie against Australia citing a shoulder injury.

Australia's Wimbledon doubles champion Todd Woodbridge and Wimbledon singles champion Lleyton Hewitt beat Leander Paes and newcomer Vishaal Uppal 6-3, 7-6(7-5), 6-1 to clinch the tie 3-0 and earn Australia a place in next year's 16-team World Group.

Woodbridge told a news conference after the match: "I know he (Bhupathi) is playing in Hong Kong next week; it starts Monday.

"If he can play the tournament next week he can play this weekend."

While Woodbridge spoke of Australia's willingness to field their best team in every Davis Cup tie, Krishnan recalled when Australia's former US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis did not play despite being fit to play against Zimbabwe in 1998.

The big-serving Australian attended the tie in the Victorian country town of Mildura but refused to play after saying captain John Newcombe had failed to give him support after his form slumped following a family illness.

"You [Australia] have had problems with Mark Philippoussis in the past," Krishnan told a news conference.

He said it is unfair to speculate on the severity of Bhupathi's injury without speaking to the player himself.

"These are all questions I don't think it's fair to ask me, to ask Todd Woodbridge; you all need to get on the email, get on the phone, and get on to Mahesh Bhupathi," Krishnan told reporters.

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