Game for kids

 

Once in a lifetime indeed, because it’s not everyday that the likes of Martina Hingis, Mikhail Youzny, Mark Philippoussis, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Nidhi Chilumula come together under the same roof and in this case, the same school.

 

The tennis stars made their way to the school, located at Lingampally, and interacted with the students for around 20 minutes. The stars were present to encourage budding tennis players and give students professional tips and advice.

 

Having played against Venus Williams in a winning match on Monday evening in the Champions Tennis League, former World No. 1, Martina Hingis, seemed to be in good spirits and was spotted giving hi-fives to her young fans.

 

After the interaction, the tennis greats proceeded to the court where they watched the students play. The stars themselves didn’t touch the sports equipment, because “they support a certain brand and if they get photographed with some other brand, they might get sued”.

 

But that didn’t stop the youngsters from mobbing them for autographs and selfies. While Martina was at her patient best, Mikhail politely refused to sign a '500 note that a student went up to him with.

 

When asked about her first international match, Martina replied, “I started playing tennis when I was two-and-a-half-years old. My mother (Melanie Molitorova), who was the first one to believe in me and also happens to be my role model, handed me the racket and to her I was always a great player.

 

My first international match was on my home ground, Zurich; it was exciting because I won that match and also the crowd support was amazing. Almost like how it was when I played in Hyderabad recently.”

 

Martina, who is one of the greatest tennis players of all times, revealed that her toughest competitors so far have been Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport. 

 

“Playing against her on Monday was like the repeat of 25 of our previous clashes. Even Lindsay; these two have been my toughest competitors,” she said.  Parents of the students were also curious about her diet before matches.

 

“Some of us have rice and chicken, pasta and chicken before every match. Since I am Swiss and have a sweet tooth, I always have a little bit of chocolate. I like that sugar high,” she said. 

 

“Skill won’t alone take you to top 10,” said Martina, to the group. “Real talent is to work hard; and if you can master that, then you have the potential to be a great player.”