DUBAI // The idea that this week’s exhaustive series of Davis Cup matches is a war of attrition was graphically emphasised Thursday night when a Cambodian player was forced off court on a stretcher.
Hamad Janahi won the opening match of the UAE national team’s tie with Cambodia at the Aviation Club after Panhara Mam was forced to retire with severe cramp.
Having won the second set, the Emirati held a 3-0 lead in the final when Mam finally conceded defeat following a string of medical time outs after suffering pain in both legs and feet.
The Cambodian player had to be carried back to his chair by his captain. He was then attended to by medical staff courtside before being helped away on a stretcher.
“I thought conditions in Cambodia were tough – but never as tough as this,” said Mam, who is based in Oregan in the United States.
“I have had a blood test and I’m fine now, I just didn’t have enough electrolytes in my system.”
Janahi empathised with his counterpart to the extent he was even preparing drinks for his opponent while Mam received treatment beside the court after retiring.
Mam is supposed to be back on court today, but Janahi has his doubts.
“I tried playing last week and I was dying,” said Janahi, the 23-year-old left-hander, who has been involved with the senior national team since he was 14.
“It was really hot, but when you are on the court you don’t even think about it.
“When it comes, you cannot do anything about it. I knew as soon as he got it he wouldn’t be able to continue the match.
“I have seen players before get it from their head to their toes. He is not going to be able to move for two days.”
pradley@thenational.ae
