New Delhi: The All India Tennis Association (AITA) on Friday condemned the comments of Japanese coach Bob Brett on the standard of the Davis Cup venue as "irresponsible and harmful" to relations between the two nations and federations.

Brett was reported in a section of the media as saying that the grass courts at the R K Khanna Stadium, venue of the ongoing Davis Cup tie between India and Japan, wasn't up to international standards and failed to meet the Davis Cup rules and regulations.

Brett had reportedly questioned the lack of sufficient space around the playing area and criticised the AITA for failing to adhere to the international standards.

The ITF (which runs the Davis Cup competition) rules specify a 60 feet court area for zonal matches but the centre court at the R K Khanna stadium is 56 feet and nine inches.

"The same venue had also hosted the India-Korea tie in 2000 and the ITF had made no objection," AITA secretary Anil Khanna said.

Interestingly, the referee, who officiated the India-Korea tie was from Japan, Khanna pointed out.

Khanna said AITA had mentioned the same fact in its letter to the ITF once again in November 2002 ahead of the current Davis Cup match and suggested suitable arrangements to overcome the shortage of space.

"But neither have we got any response from the ITF nor did we receive an objection from the match referee for the tie," Khanna said.

"Brett may be a former player but his statements are irresponsible. He must be aware that he is not here in an individual capacity but represents a national federation and his words could jeopardise relations between two nations and federations," he said.

PTI