After becoming India’s No.2 tennis player in singles by reaching 166 in world rankings, Saketh Myneni’s next stop is to break the top-100 barrier. He tells Karthik Raman how he plans to do so.
How satisfied are you to become the nation’s second ranked tennis player in the singles departmentIJ
It is a nice feeling but you always have to keep pushing yourself. I always see it like you against the world and I will continue to push the distance.
What is your next target and how do you intend to get thereIJ
I hope to break into top-100. But it is not easy to do so. To reach there you should stay fit for the entire season and keep the momentum going. However, I am not sure how long it is going to take but I will be keep pushing myself.
Can you say a few words on Yuki Bhambri breaking into the top-100 (Yuki is currently ranked 99)IJ
It is an outstanding achievement. Yuki has been consistent for the entire season, so it is good to see him get there. It is still a long way to go but hopefully he climbs up the rankings in the tennis circuit.
How important it is for the country to have three players in the top-200 after a whileIJ
It is good to have more players in the top rankings. It will definitely help the country a lot.
nFormer Indian tennis great Vijay Amritraj recently stressed on the importance of having more top-100 singles players to boost the country’s chances in Davis Cup. How do you see itIJ
Well obviously having players in the 100 rankings will give a psychological boost for everyone. But when it comes to Davis Cup matches, the rankings do not make much difference. On the day whoever plays well will have a chance to win. But to maintain that level one has to remain consistent first.
Speaking about Davis Cup, in the crucial World Group play off tie against Czech Republic last month, you were dropped for leander PaesIJ How disappointed were youIJ
I am not disappointed. I helped the team a lot, if not on the court but atleast off the court and I am satisfied with my contribution.
nAgainst the likes of Chinese Taipei, South Korea and New Zealand you partnered Rohan Bopanna in doubles for India. So is it unfair to be dropped in the crucial tie just because Paes had returnedIJ
The word 'unfair' is pretty strong, because I am satisfied with whatever I have been asked to do. I am happy with my progress so far in the team. Besides, it is a great boost to play under Paes, you can learn a lot from his experience.
How satisfied are you on winning your first challenger of the year in Vietnam last SundayIJ
It’s a nice feeling, I had a great few weeks and I hope to build on it by finishing the year on a high.
nWhat tournaments do you intend to participate before the end of the yearIJ
I look to complete the year by playing two challengers in India and one more in Asia, for which the place is yet to be confirmed, before the Champions Tennis league starts (CTl will take place from November 23 - December 6). Hopefully these tournaments can help me reach the qualifiers for next year’s Australian Open.
Do you have any specific goals for 2016IJ
I have to stay fit and healthy for the entire season and also want to play in all the Grand Slams.
last season you played for the eventual champions Pune Marathas in CTl and in 2015 you are going to represent Punjab Marshalls. How difficult it is to adapt to the shorter format of the CTlIJ
It is a different format but it is all about reaching there in advance and adapting to the conditions and the pace of the game. So if one can keep it going, then they can have a successful tournament.
nNot many players start as a doubles player in their career but end up being one, where do you see yourself in the futureIJ
Even in Davis Cup I was selected as the third choice singles player. But I got a good chance to play in doubles and I am happy with it. However in future I do want to establish myself in the singles field. Infact doubles also helps me a lot in my singles game. It helps to improve my return. But one should not forget how hard it is to survive in singles. It physically demands a lot and takes a lot of toll on your body, which is why many retire early in singles but have a prolonged doubles career.
What do you think about the level of ITF futures in the countryIJ
When you are within the 1000 rankings, playing in Futures will help your game but after you break into the top-400, you should start playing Challengers, otherwise you cannot improve the rankings beyond a point or your overall game. After challengers it should be ATP tournaments.