Sanam shines on Sunday

Soon,the newly relaid green court at the stadium was stomped by countless fans who wanted to greet the home-boy and take souvenirs from the match by clicking photographs and taking his autograph. Yes,fans was less in number as even on Super Sunday,tennis lovers failed to put up a good attendance.

“I was surprised at the low turnout of the crowd. I thought there would be lots of people to watch the match,” said Sanam after his victory.

However,it was a moment to celebrate for the fans when Sanam defeated Artek 6-4,6-1 to help India stay in the Asia Oceania Group I. Clinical performance and the best player of the tournament,some did say,but Sanam,being too modest to accept it,said it was just a combined team effort.

Although it was an inconsequential dead rubber,the match meant a lot to Sanam,especially since he was playing in front of the home crowd and the same court where he grew up learning tennis before he moved to Delhi and then to University of Virginia,USA.

“The crowd showed great support and since it was a home tie,there was always an added advantage. I am happy with the way things went for me,” added Sanam.

After Yuki Bhambri’s lacklustre performance in the morning where he struggled to beat Jose Rubin Statham,Sanam gave tennis fans lots to cheer about. For someone who was not even sure of appearing in the Davis Cup tie,grabbing the opportunity with both hands and putting up a clinical performance is what makes him a special and coveted tennis player from Chandigarh.

“He was absolutely brilliant today,especially in the second set. I don’t know when the next Davis Cup tie would be held here; it might take another decade or so,but Sanam’s performance would be remembered,” said Shivani Singh,a student of Panjab University.