Leander Paes at the DKS on Sunday. He said India’s chances of winning the doubles gold at the Beijing Olympics were bright. A Telegraph picture

Calcutta: Karan Rastogi feels that the clay court at the Jaidip Mukerjea Tennis Academy seems better than last year and will play a crucial role in the six-day Coal India ITF Men’s Futures meet beginning Monday.

“The surface is looking good this year. Last year there were some bad bounces,” Rastogi told The Telegraph Sunday.

Sixth seeded Rastogi will face Vishnu Vardhan on Monday. “I’m fit and fine and all set for the first round match,” he said.

Ashutosh Singh, who will be playing his first tournament after the National Grass Court meet, in December, said: “The surface is looking great with a lot of pace. It will be a good surface to play,” Singh said.

The Delhi lad, Singh, twisted his right ankle in the Nationals Grass Court and was out of action for two months. “I am fine now and looking forward to get into the groove,” he said.

He will face second seeded Guillermo Alcaide of Spain in his opening match.

Third seeded Todor Enev will be defending his title.