Young Turks and hard hitters

Chennai: The Centre Court was packed to the rafters on Day 2 of the Aircel Chennai Open, where Chennai boy Ramkumar Ramanathan was in a tough contest with compatriot and India’s top player, Somdev Devvarman.

The crowd, which had, over the past, cheered on for Somdev, who shares a strong connect with the city, was cheering for both the players. And finally, when Ramkumar emerged victorious in the nail-biting match, they were thrilled. The city’s homegrown tennis player, Ramkumar, who was making his ATP World Tour debut, became an overnight sensation.

A champion in the making

K. Ramanathan, Ramkumar’s father, reminisces about the thrilling match. “Ramkumar had faced Somdev after winning three rounds against players who were big hitters. So, he was confident going into the match and managed to beat Somdev,” says the proud father. Somdev had met the winner later at dinner and congratulated him warmly, telling him to ‘stay focussed’.

Nineteen-year-old Ramkumar’s journey into sport was not an easy one. “We used to hit balls inside the house. When Ramkumar was six, we would go to the only tennis court at Natesan Park and practice.

He then trained under P. Chandrasekar, and at the age of 10, played state ranking tournaments. He was also a part of the Indian Junior Davis Cup squad at the age of 13 and travelled to China and the Czech Republic for the games.

Then, he was noticed by the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) and went through intense training at the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona. His game improved immensely after that,” he says, on a thrilled note.

Ramanathan reveals that Ramkumar was sponsored by the Murugappa Group and he is now looking for more sponsors to keep up the pace.

Confidence is the key  
Stanislas Wawrinka, the current World No. 8 and the doubles champion (with Benoit Paire) of Aircel Chennai Open 2013, loves playing in the city.

“Chennai is a nice place to start the year. This tournament is a good combination. It is not too hot, it’s humid and the crowds are good. That’s why I’m happy to come back,” says Stanislas, who has had a good run so far in the tournament. Having played against the likes of Tsonga and Berdych in 2013, the Swiss champion comes with a lot of confidence.

“I think it is maybe the self-confidence that I can beat a top player. I did it a few times, and had some good wins against Tsonga, Berdych, and also against Murray in the US Open. The confidence is a good start. It’s the little things that make a big change for me, especially in tennis,” points out this doubles title defending champ.

Stanislas, who has also played with fellow compatriot and former world numero uno Roger Federer, says he is a good friend. “Roger was already on tour when I first got started. He helped me a lot, practising with me and giving advice. We often talk and we know that we can trust each other. Winning the gold medal in Beijing was a very special moment in our friendship,” recalls the player who comes from a family of tennis players.

“All my siblings play tennis. My older brother Jonathan is a tennis teacher and a decent player. My sisters also play tennis, but they are studying and not looking at making a career in tennis,” he adds.

Stanislas reveals that the sport can be tough and losing is inevitable. But, he has a philosophical view of it all. “I love what I’m doing! It is disappointing sometimes, but losing is part of the game and the faster you stand up after falling, the further you can get,” muses the tattooed champ.

“I have two tattoos. The one on my left arm says: ‘Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” As a tennis player, you have to get used to losing every week. Unless you win the tournament, you always go home the loser. But you have to take the positive out of a defeat and go back to work. Improve to fail better,” he says, on a pensive note.

No stranger to the country, Stanislas enjoys Indian food, eating chicken tikka masala almost every day when he is in India and scouring the markets. “A few years ago I went to visit a market and was impressed to see all the different spices. People are very friendly in India. You always feel welcome and very well treated,” he says.

Striving through injury

For Yuki Bhambri, spending New Year’s in Chennai is a happy routine due to the friends he has in the city. Yuki, a wild card entry to the tournament, is looking forward to 2014, after having a good run the past few months.

“This year, I hope to compete at the main draw for the Australian Open in the doubles category. Australia is a special venue because I won the Junior Australian Open Boys Singles title in 2009 there. It holds both bad and good memories. I hope to carry the momentum forward,” says Yuki, who had a good run this tournament, having defeated the much higher seeded Carreno Busta in the early stages.

Yuki hails from a family of tennis players. “My sisters, Ankita and Sanaa, also played tennis and we went together on tours. They would win medals and their names would come in the newspaper. That’s how I was inspired to take up the sport,” he says.

Yuki has been grappling with injuries in 2013. “They were a big blow, especially the ankle trouble. I hope to play through the next year and be healthy.”

An avowed fan of Rafael Nadal’s, he says that his stirring comeback after a span of eight months or so was inspiring. “It made me strive harder to get back on court,” he concludes.