Rastogi backtracks on Paes

NEW DELHI, February 26: It just got too much for the 21 year old Karan Rastogi.
After spending a couple of days fending off questions and comments, Rastogi on Tuesday approached the All India Tennis Association and officially withdrew his protest against Davis Cup captain Leander Paes.
Rastogi, currently playing a $15,000 ITF Futures in the Capital, sounded a bit relieved as he spoke of his decision."The last two days have been very, very tough. I've been hounded by the media. I am the smallest guy in the whole issue. Those guys (Prakash Amritraj, Rohan Bopanna and Mahesh Bhupathi) are sitting in the US and I'm here all alone facing all the music. It was affecting my game and that's the last thing I want," Rastogi said.
Khanna, secretary of the AITA, confirmed Rastogi's retraction. "Karan met me and he told me that he wanted to withdraw. I want him to focus on his game," Khanna said.
The intense media glare and pressure exerted by the association was too much for the 21 year old to handle.
Roped in to be a part of the revolt during the Uzbekistan tie, Rastogi went on to say that all issues have been resolved. "I met Mr Khanna in the morning and told him that I wanted to withdraw my protest. All my concerns have been met. He was very understanding to what I had to say," he said, refusing to elaborate any further.
A member of the Davis Cup squad for two ties against Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Rastogi was a surprise addition to the clamour for Paes' removal. "Prakash called me during the Uzbekistan tie recently and asked me if I would join them. I had issues in the past, I agreed, but I believe that playing for the country is more important than whatever I feel. I'm ready to play under any captain," he said as he sought to defend his position.
Paes is in the Capital but has refrained from making any comment about the developments.
Rastogi's retraction could be perceived as a blow to the determined stand that Bopanna and Amritraj have taken of not playing Davis Cup till Paes is in charge but Rastogi maintains that it's a personal decision which has to be respected. "I've conveyed my decision to Prakash and Rohan. At this point in time, I feel that I've to focus on getting my game together," Rastogi, ranked 512, signed off.