Former player Somdev challenges tennis body elections in Delhi HC

Former Davis Cup teammates Somdev Devvarman and Purav Raja have put a spanner in the upcoming All-India Tennis Association (AITA) elections.

Devvarman, former India No. 1 singles player, and Raja, who won two doubles ATP titles, have challenged the September 28 elections in the Delhi High Court, seeking a stay till the time AITA is fully compliant with the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.

Chintan Parikh and Rohit Rajpal are fighting for the top post, while Sunder Iyer and Dinesh Arora are set to be appointed uncontested for the posts of secretary general and treasurer, respectively.

The main grouse of Devvarman and Raja is that AITA, despite being a signatory to the Sports Code, has failed to provide seats for athletes in the central council/general assembly as well as in its executive committee.

“It is submitted that it is essential that AITA as well as its constituents must comply with the Sports Code and the Ministry ought to be directed to ensure that AITA and its constituents are fully compliant with the requirements of the Sports Code as a condition for continued recognition only thereafter fresh elections may be directed to be held in fair transparent and democratic manner,” the petition said.

In the prayer, the duo has sought directions from the court to ensure that the sports ministry ensures that elections are held strictly as per the Sports Code and appoint an administrator to run the national federation.

“Appoint a retired judge of the Hon’ble Court Supreme Court or of this Hon’ble Court or any other High Court as an Administrator of the Respondent No.2 AITA, with an honorarium to be paid by the Respondent No.1 and / or Respondent No.2 AITA, and with permission to employ such professionals and other qualified individuals to assist the Administrator in this process,” it added.

Alcaraz clinches Laver Cup for Team Europe

Berlin: Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame Taylor Fritz 6-2 7-5 as Team Europe rallied to beat Team World 13-11 and win the Laver Cup. Alcaraz broke the US Open runner-up Fritz in the 11th game and then closed out victory on serve, sparking celebrations as the Europe team rejoiced with captain Bjorn Borg. Team World was favourite to win for a third straight time after leading 8-4 on points heading into the last of the three days. Europe began the comeback Sunday when Alcaraz and Casper Ruud won the doubles 6-2 7-6(6) against American pair Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. AP