Prakash relieved on return

Just a few weeks ago, Prakash Amritraj was shaking off the rusty chains that injury had wound around him yet another time, hoping to get a few valuable circuit points under his belt.

Just a few weeks ago, Prakash Amritraj was shaking off the rusty chains that injury had wound around him yet another time, hoping to get a few valuable circuit points under his belt. After six continuous weeks of tennis, his results show he did just that, and more.

This week, he has the opportunity to wrap up a third consecutive Futures title in the Capital, after successive romps to the title in Chandigarh and Dehradun, both times consigning top seed Karan Rastogi to defeat in the decisive match. 8220;I felt like I had been away from tennis for a long time, and it was during this time that I realised this is what I love. In the beginning, perhaps, I had fun, not doing anything, but then it got a bit depressing. The time away made me appreciate the game more, and now I8217;m thankful I can play again, and of course, the fact that I have been doing well makes it better,8221; smiles Prakash, looking relaxed after having crossed the first-round hurdle in the ITF Futures event at the DLTA.

Not having played competitive tennis in five months, Prakash8217;s actual return to the circuit came at the end of last year, at a Futures tournament in Delhi, but he had not made a complete recovery at that time. He had resorted to using a single handed backhand, since his left wrist was still not good enough. Now, though, the two-handed backhand is back, and so is the spirit.

8220;I re-evaluated some aspects of my game while I was out of action, and I think my earlier immaturity is no longer there. I used to have a lot more than tennis in my head before, now I am more focused. Now, I just want to keep playing and hopefully I can achieve my best ranking by the end of the year,8221; he says, reflecting on the possible reason for the string of successes he has had in recent weeks.

Of course, a Futures event may be more than a notch below where he eventually aspires to be, but as Prakash explains: 8220;It was vital for me to get a lot of matches under my belt. I had been on and off the courts for so long, I needed continuous tennis. Playing in Uzbekistan prior to the three weeks in India was rough, but it did do me good. After this tournament, I will go back to the USA for training, and then start playing Challengers over there.8221;

And despite having enjoyed quite a bit of success in doubles, his attention is firmly trained on singles. 8220;Doubles helps my singles game, but I want to concentrate on improving my singles ranking.8221;

The country, though, will not be ignored as Prakash attempts to get his career back on track.

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The injury also robbed him of his Davis Cup spot, but if his current form is to be taken into account, he need not worry. 8220;Davis Cup is very important to me. I will be there whenever the country needs me,8221; he signed off.