There have been fairly a couple of worldwide tennis tournaments at house within the first quarter of this season, particularly for the boys. Few capitalised on them the best way Ramkumar Ramanathan did, together with his exploits in each singles and doubles.
After profitable the doubles titles within the first two Challengers in Chennai and Bengaluru with Saketh Myneni, the 29-year-old Ramkumar shone vibrant within the Pune Challenger, briefly although, by knocking out the champion of the Bengaluru occasion Stefano Napolitano of Italy.
Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan who gained the doubles finals on the Chennai Open
| Picture Credit score:
Ravindran R
Later, after serving to his employer Indian Oil to a bunch of medals in particular person and crew occasions within the Petroleum inter-unit occasion, Ramkumar gained the singles title in Delhi within the $25,000 ITF match and completed runner-up the following week in Chandigarh.
An amiable particular person with a cheerful smile, Ramkumar might have typically been misunderstood, or as some might understand, wrongly projected, however he opted to debate a wide range of matters, very frankly.
THE GIST
The Hangzhou Asian Video games doubles silver with Myneni was an enormous morale-booster for Ramkumar, particularly after all of the criticism that he was chosen forward of 10 better-ranked gamers
With youngster coach Chandrasekaran travelling with him for many of the tournaments, he says he feels at house
The Paris Olympics is not far away and there are a couple of who consider Ramkumar will make the very best accomplice for Bopanna
Momentum again
“I’ve loved the ache and the whole lot which comes with it, the wins and losses. I really feel my health has picked up and my momentum is again with some good matches within the final six months. God prepared, the very best is but to return,” mentioned Ramkumar when congratulated for his good work.
Beginning with the Davis Cup tie towards Pakistan in Islamabad, adopted by 4 Challengers, and two ITF occasions, it has been steady tennis for a lot of weeks. Ramkumar, who was ranked a career-best 111 in singles in 2018 and 58 in doubles in 2022, paced himself nicely to shine vibrant from begin to end.
“I’m pleased and have learnt lots over these weeks. I had good wins alongside the best way, and pushed myself to get some matches the final two weeks of singles. I really feel that I could be there on the prime once more. I’ve been placing a whole lot of work again in Chennai. I’ve additionally been doing a whole lot of small issues, like retaining a guide and noting down factors, reminding myself the best way I need to method each match. It helps me to remain within the current and be higher on court docket. I’m proud the best way I competed all these eight weeks, regardless of the outcomes. I’ll hold engaged on the factors to enhance,” mentioned Ramkumar.
The end was robust. It may have been two singles titles, however Khumoyun Sultanov of Uzbekistan was capable of beat Ramkumar within the closing in Chandigarh within the second ITF match.
By no means straightforward
“It’s by no means straightforward to play a stage down, after taking part in the Challengers. I knew that I might have robust matches, and ready myself to battle for each single level, bodily and mentally.
These two weeks have been a battle for me. Only a bit disillusioned concerning the consequence within the closing towards Sultanov. I had many break factors, and 0-30 scenario on opponent’s serve. Simply couldn’t capitalise. I’ve famous as to what I may have finished higher. I’m pleased that tennis is coming alongside heading in the right direction. Clearly a whole lot of issues to work for the following occasions,” mentioned Ramkumar, as he put issues in perspective.
Exhilarating expertise
The Challengers, 4 of them in a row in Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune and Delhi, did present a whole lot of cheer for Ramkumar. However earlier than that was the exhilarating expertise of the Davis Cup in Islamabad.
“It was an important concept to have the preparatory camp in Delhi for the Davis Cup, and get some rhythm on grass”, mentioned Ramkumar, as he thanked the captain Rohit Rajpal, the coaches and the physios for his or her position in making ready the crew properly.
India’s Ramkumar Ramanathan throughout the Davis Cup 2024 tennis match between India and Pakistan.
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FILE PHOTO
It was a thriller for Ramkumar towards the outdated struggle horse, Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi. Ramkumar prevailed 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-0 within the first rubber in three units. That set the tone for India’s 4-0 triumph within the Davis Cup tie in Pakistan.
Nonetheless, at 3-4 and 15-40 within the second set, it was a difficult scenario for Ramkumar and the Indian camp. Ramkumar fired 20 aces within the match and wriggled out of the tight nook for a memorable victory, changing 4 of six breakpoints to seal the rubber.
“I don’t suppose that I performed a nasty first set. However Aisam performed clutch on first to win it within the tie-break. Our field was filled with power. I felt it and it helped me stick with him and hold it shut. I’m glad that I used to be capable of flip it round and get that important level for India. It was a nail biting match with a lot of feelings. My pricey pal Aisam performed out of the world. All of the Pakistan crew members have been extraordinarily pleasant. I used to be pleased that tennis united us. Extraordinarily pleased that we gained the tie on their soil. Was pleased that I gave an opportunity for Niki Poonacha, to play the ultimate rubber, as he is a superb man and has been doing nicely currently. I used to be glad that he acquired his first win. Sriram Balaji additionally performed his half and naturally, Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni acquired us house safely with the doubles. Total, a superb crew effort,” mentioned Ramkumar.
After the emotional excessive, it was again to the professional circuit and Ramkumar tuned himself for the aggressive grind.
“As quickly as I completed Davis Cup in Pakistan, I needed to fly on to Chennai for the singles match the following day. So, I ready as a lot as I may, however couldn’t get the job finished towards my Spanish opponent Roca Batalla.
“We practice on the similar membership in Barcelona. I used to be unhappy after singles. However I used to be pleased that me and Saketh fought laborious and gained the doubles title. Was pleased getting a few good wins in singles within the Bengaluru Challenger. Fought laborious and the reward got here. My stage was good, and I had an opportunity within the quarterfinals. However, due to a couple dangerous line calls, I misplaced the quarterfinals in an in depth match. Me and Sake gained the doubles once more, which was nice. Obtained to Pune on Monday, and performed a unbelievable match towards Stefano Napolitano, from being a set level down, I gained the match in two tie-breaks. I misplaced to the Russian Alexey Zakharov within the second match, though I performed nicely. In doubles, me and Saketh misplaced the semifinals by taking part in a really common match, which we may have gained,” mentioned Ramkumar as he jogged by way of his reminiscence.
The fourth Challenger in Delhi was laborious to digest. “Once I got here to Delhi, the situations have been fully totally different. I used to be additionally a bit drained, and was struggling to adapt. So, I had a tricky outing in Delhi, which is suitable and no feedback on that”, mentioned Ramkumar.
Fairly thoughtfully, Ramkumar thanked all match Administrators, Hiten Joshi, Sunil Yajaman, Sunder Iyer, Richa Bakshi and the AITA Secretary Normal, Anil Dhupar, for giving him the singles wild playing cards “with no questions requested”.
Ramkumar assured that he would proceed to give attention to his singles sport and hold getting higher.
“I’ve proved myself doing nicely in singles. The main focus will stay on singles and doubles. I really like competing. I do know the street forward just isn’t straightforward, however it’s attainable and I consider in myself, which is an important factor. I’ll put within the work and go away the remaining to the Almighty,” he mentioned.
The Asian Video games doubles silver medal with Saketh Myneni in Hangzhou was an enormous morale-booster for Ramkumar, particularly after all of the criticism that he was chosen forward of 10 better-ranked gamers.
“I need to thank God for making me obtain what I did within the Asian Video games. I performed a great singles match additionally, however misplaced to the eventual runner-up Yosuke Watanuki, in an in depth three-setter. I used to be very pleased that I acquired the prospect to play doubles and much more pleased to win the medal. I consider that the whole lot occurs for a motive. I used to be there as a result of I deserved to be there. I’m happy with criticism. The choice was made by the committee and never me. Previously, I used to be greater ranked than others and was excluded. I used to be harm then, however revered the choice of the committee. So, I used to be a bit unhappy, and didn’t prefer it, to see different gamers questioning my choice within the media. It’s previously now. Me and Sake performed nicely. We acquired higher with every match. I’ve the medal. It may have been gold and it may have been no medal additionally,” he mentioned.
Greatest accomplice
The Olympics in Paris is across the nook. There are a couple of who consider that Ramkumar will make the very best accomplice for Rohan Bopanna for a shot on the medal.
“Bops is an outstanding participant. He is a superb instance for all of us, particularly the best way he grew to become World No. 1 at 43. I’m pleased that I gained two of my largest titles with Bops. I’ll cherish all of them my life. I’ve a lot respect for him. I can be pleased to play Olympics with Bops, and we may very well be very harmful collectively as a pair, as we have now 100% file in ATP occasions. And I’m feeling good with my tennis. I’m certain Bops will agree on this! Jokes aside, it’s Bops’ determination on who he has the very best shot with on the Olympics. At all times want him nicely no matter his selection,” mentioned Ramkumar.
Along with his youngster coach T. Chandrasekaran travelling for many of his tournaments within the latest spell, Ramkumar was fairly at house, competing at his finest.
“I’m grateful to have Chandra sir these weeks for the Indian stretch. I’m grateful for his persevering with contribution to my tennis profession. He has been extraordinarily supportive. He retains making me consider that I can get into the top-100 in singles, and retains motivating me from his coronary heart. He is likely one of the principal motive for me taking part in tennis and has made an enormous contribution to my profession,” mentioned Ramkumar.
For the final two tournaments in Delhi and Chandigarh, Ramkumar had his mom Alagammal and father Ramanathan, taking turns to be with him.
“Mother stunned me by coming to Delhi. It labored out nicely. She was my fortunate allure and the singles title in Delhi can be particular as I gained the match in entrance of her. She ought to come extra typically. I’m grateful and grateful to God that I made her proud,” mentioned Ramkumar.
He’s fairly used to having his father round in occasions. “My dad was having fun with his time in Chandigarh. I gave him a couple of coronary heart assaults on technique to the finals! However, had one other optimistic week. It was robust mentally for me as I used to be bodily slightly drained. I pushed myself to the restrict and competed nicely. I used to be pleased to listen to my dad say, ‘Ram you might be taking part in nicely.’ Very not often he says that however he meant it. With out my dad, I wouldn’t be travelling the world and taking part in tennis. From the underside of my coronary heart, I need to thank my Appa and Amma for placing me within the sport, by way of a whole lot of struggles and sacrifices, within the early days. I nonetheless bear in mind, Appa taking me in a scooter for health at 6 a.m. after which to tennis every single day. My sister Uma can also be extraordinarily supportive,” mentioned Ramkumar.
It has been an enchanting journey and Ramkumar is eager and energetic so as to add many extra full of life chapters to his tennis profession.
