In hour of triumph, Saketh focuses on family’s sacrifices
The 28-year-old is thankful to parents for allowing him to chase his dream
NEW DELHI: It took Sake th Myneni less than an hour to dispatch his 125th-ranked opponent Kimmer Coppejans 6-3, 6-2 in Saturday’s semifinal. In what has become a ritual of sorts this week at the Delhi Open, he celebrated with a triumphant gesture towards his mother and, after a quick wash, proceeded to join her in the stands.
“This is the first tournament she’s watching me play in four years ,” explains Myneni. “I wouldn’ t be playing this sport, doing all these things that I love, without my parents’ sacrifices. I’ m not sure how many would have allowed their kids to take up sport as a career 15 years ago.”
After picking up the racquet at 11, Myneni played in Vizag before moving in with his grandparents in Hyderabad for better opportunities. A junior nationals title followed, but Myneni didn’t know how much to expect out of the junior circuit and went the American collegiate route.
While the five years at the University of Alabama were tough on him and the family, Saketh’s game improved no end. He had access to trainers, support staff and soon became Alabama’s No 1 singles player.
Since returning to India and the professional circuit in September 2011, Myneni’s rise to world No 166 has been steady, if not a little slow.
He has two Challenger titles and an Asian Games gold to his name, but the 28-year-old, who has been riddled with shoulder and back issues, has had to start from scratch on his fitness because of “one-dimensional body development” during the teen years. LONG ROAD “In America and European countries, your overall development is much better because you grow up playing 2-3 sports. The amount of fitness I should’ve done growing up… I didn’t really do the fundamentals. It’s a slow process.”
“Indian people are very talented, but I don’t think they are the best athletes. Talent will take you to a certain level. The amount of hours you put in is the next level,” added Myneni.
While he eventually wants to make the main draw of a Grand Slam, Myneni’s focus is squarely on playing as much as possible.
“Another guy of my age might have 4-5 more years of grinding on the tour. I just want to enjoy my time on the court.”
Off the court too, he has varied interests. While he isn’t sure if he’s ever read a book, the double major in finance and economics religiously reads up on the markets, investments, insurance, et al.
“I don’t want to give up on that,” said Myneni. “When I’m not playing tennis, I have other stuff to do. I want to keep learning new things and that is life.”
The sport may have helped him develop as a person, but Myneni isn’t the obsessed kind who lives, breathes and eats tennis.
“Once I’m out, I don’t even want to talk about tennis.”