Harsh overcomes fighting Fazaluddin for title

He did well a few years ago, reaching the final qualifying round of Gold Flake, losing to South Africa’s David Nainkin. Asked about his chances in the qualifying round. “Well it will be very tough to qualify. However, the positive aspect is I have played some matches this week while Europeans will be coming straight and the climate will also be different here,” said Harsh Mankad.

Fazal resumed at 2-4 (30-30) in the decider and his serve was tested by Harsh, who lobbed him to get a break point. However, Fazal did well, managing to hold serve. Harsh and Fazal held their next games comfortably. Harsh (5-4) got his first serves in to make it 40-15. Fazal saved one match point with a stinging pass as Harsh approached the net to finish the match.

Another match point went as Fazal and Harsh traded groundstroke after groundstroke before Harsh’s lob went out. Fazal got two break points with gusty play. Harsh, who was eager and hungry after his disappointing Asia Cup performance, showed his toughness, staving two break points and took the match when Fazal’s forehand sailed long.

Harsh was relieved and overjoyed after his victory which was achieved against a tougher opponent, who kept coming at him till the end.

The two Davis Cuppers enacted a match worth remembering. There were plenty of rallies, delightful passes, commitment and determination from both.

Harsh’s victory came because of his steely nerve. He came out on top at critical moments when serving for the set and match (5-4, both times) which was the key to his success.

Harsh was satisfied with his victory. “I performed consistently. I made lesser mistakes which tilted the match in my favour,” summed up Harsh about his victory. “I felt soft balls reduced Fazal’s serves by a notch.”

“I should become more aggressive and not wait for opponents to make mistakes. Of course, I should get stronger. When one gets stronger, confidence also builds up,” commented Harsh on his shortcomings.

Harsh plans to concentrate fully on tennis after completing his undergraduate (BA Economics) from Minnesota University. His inter-collegiate exposure has built his confidence and made him tough.

His mother Nirupama, a former player, who peps his son up whenever Harsh rifles an impressive winner, saying `beauty..’ had this to concur about Harsh: “The competition in inter-collegiate tennis in US is tough. Sandwiching between studies and tennis which is hectic has made him a stronger person.”

Fazaluddin was gracious in defeat. “I gave my best. It was a close match which could have gone either way but Harsh deserved his victory,” said Fazal. “Anyway, I’m on the right track. Probably I need to start well from love-all!.”

AM Nanjundan, General Manager (Southern Region), IOC Ltd, gave away the prizes.

Result: Final: Harsh Mankad (Maharashtra) bt Syed Fazaluddin (West Bengal) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.