Behroozian: Pride of the nation

Dubai: He has been Mr UAE Tennis for well over a decade and nothing means more to Omar Behroozian than representing his country even 16 years after he began his journey. It came as no surprise therefore that when the UAE made it back to the Davis Cup Group III Asia-Oceania zone, it was the bespectacled Emirati who was at the forefront of things, winning all five of his singles matches. The 30-year-old told XPRESS why, besides his role in the recent success, he's also enjoying what has been a very good season.

Great comeback

"We won bronze at the Arab Games, silver at GCC and it's good to get back in the ATP rankings list again. I was out with injury for two years and I am happy to put the UAE back on the world tennis map," he said.

Behroozian revealed that it has become mentally and physically taxing for him in his multiple role as leading singles and doubles player as well as mentor. "I have been carrying the team on my shoulders for more than a decade now and I am not getting any younger. It is tough and the Davis Cup this time was a bit too much. I not only had to play every day but also had to ensure that the youngsters in the side stayed motivated. I am 30 now and Hamad [Abbas Al Janahi], who is the second singles player, is 11 years younger, while the other two players are still juniors. I hope to continue for a few more years but I can see nothing changing in the next two-three years.

"There's no one out there good enough to take my place. We really lack quality players and it will be a tough battle surviving in Group III with just one and a half players. It's downright risky. You can get away in Group IV with that. You need two really good players for Group III," he added.

It's understood that one of the senior players, Mahmoud Al Beloushi, is keen to make a comeback to tennis and Behroozian welcomed the move. "He would be welcome to join the team but it's entirely up to him if he wants to return." he said.