UT tennis prodigy sets date with Fedex and Rafa

Playing his first international event and easily the most important tournament of his life,was never going to be easy,but Sachin lent solidarity to an Indian team that comprised Garvit Batra,Vishu Prasad and Ballekere Ravikumar Nikshep.

The team beat Hong Kong 2-0 to win the title at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.

The win has ensured an additional benefit. Sachin along with coach Nar Singh have been invited to attend the Qatar Exxon Mobil Open,where the Indian team will get

an opportunity to hit with top players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“It was my first international tournament and nothing could beat the feeling when we stood on the podium. This tournament was also an eye-opener and it makes me want to go back to basics and improve my game so that I could finish on top every time,” Sachin,14,told Newsline over phone from New Delhi.

Sachin plays as he speaks. Despite being aggressive on court,he has a calm assurance about him,a hint of control.

The same quality has helped him win many crucial games in the past,particularly in 2011,when he also won the All India Tennis Association Talent Series in Pune in the Under-18 category and the U-14 Nationals in Chennai.

“My most memorable moment was when I reached the finals of the Fenesta Open in Delhi. Truly speaking,I would like to win a big national title soon. I still feel I have a long way to go before I can give tough competition to other players. So,I am always ready for improvement,” said the son of Army personnel,who was taken under the CHART programme by Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association when he was still in his early days.

Over the last 12 months,Sachin has made rapid progress. He climbed from Number 6 to 2 in Under-14 All India Tennis Association ranking,while leapfrogged 26 others to end the year at the 15 slot from 41 in the boy’s Under-16 ranking.

“I am taking much-needed rest now. Soon,I will take part in tournaments and hope to improve my ranking and win more titles,” said the student of Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School,Sector 8,Chandigarh.