MORE THAN JUST LUCK, IT’S HARDWORK
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I was never interested in the world of tennis. Knew the game . Admired all the great players in the likes of Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and many more. But I was never emotionally involved in the game as there were no players from our country that I wished would win, except the old combination of Leander Peas and Mahesh Bhupati. But everything was to change with the entry of Sania Mirza into the international scene.
’’ Man! She is so beautiful ’’
To say direct from my heart, I first decided to watch her play after seeing her photographs in the newspaper, and at my age, she was definitely beautiful. All that I wanted to see was how beautiful we should be in real life, not posing to the camera with make up. But I never expected her to be such a talent in tennis .
’’ Disappointment in Dubai ’’
I first watched her play during the Dubai Open , and the second match made me think that all she had was pure luck . While she had a good game against Swetlana Kuznetsova, the very next game was very disappointing for all of us, as there was no resistance at all from her part. So I haven’t watched her play till finally I decided to watch her match yesterday.
’ The match yesterday- emerging talent with a brave heart ’’
If any of you have watched the match yesterday, you will definitely agree that the game showed that the girl from Hyderabad had more class than any other Indian girl has ever shown in the tennis court. That too the most famous court in the world- the center court of the Wimbledon .
Ranked no. 72, she really made life very difficult for the 5th seeded Kuznetsova . The Russian was left to wonder what had went wrong with her play. But even though her experience came through for the Russian, she will definitely agree that it was a very close call and had to really work hard for the win.
’’ To die fighting is better than a win against tennis nobody ’’
Sania didn?t win yesterday. But then the loss was also a very proud moment, as the whole world had been made to realize that the Indian girl is here to stay. The BBC television said ’’ Remember the name. We are going to hear a lot more of her ’’
Such was the character she displayed. There were no nerves , except for a few occasions. But the Indian appeared far more composed than the Russian. She played beautifully of the forehand, and some of her shots were so beautiful that the Russian didn?t even bother to chase the ball.
’’ Kuznetsova is definitely no Sharapova.’’
O.k.! Anyone can argue that the Russian is not definitely the world no.1. also she was struggling very much during the second set and didn’t show the standards by which she had been given he no.5 position, but the nerves that the Russian displayed can also be attributed to the aggressive play adopted by Mirza from the word go .
The game began with Sania taking the first set, and the Russian was left to the back foot play. All the Russian had in mind during the initial half of her play was to hit the ball hard and this was not to help her at all. It was only when she changed her tactics that Sania started to lose.
’’ Girl! Your play has to be fine tuned ’’
Trust me; the girl is far from perfect . But then the game displayed she had the character to work on her weaknesses and improve. Also she has the mindset required to achieve great heights .
What are her weaknesses? Well! Many, I should say. She has a very strong and precise forehand, but definitely has the weakness of a poor serve . There is something wrong with her serve action and she is not able to get the full flow for the serve. This was also noticed during the Dubai open, but seems to have been worked on a bit.
Also she lacks pace to keep up with the ball. Then as was pointed out in the leading dailies, she takes time to take her foot of the pedal . May be, because of the injury that she had recently, but in the international sports arena, nothing is an excuse and she has to work upon that if she is to improve.
The major problem that she has is the lack of experience . It is one factor that can?t be worked upon and will come only with time. She has to learn to anticipate the shots and play accordingly. Also it is only with experience that she can learn to adopt different tactics for different players.
’’ Media hype ’’
This is something that every good player has to go through at some point of the career. Take the case of Sachin Tendulkar for example. He has been portrayed by the media to almost the level of perfection and then he fails to play in a couple of matches and the same media will go against you. It is all in the name of selling the papers and the player should definitely not lend his or her ears as in this case.
Before Sania goes out to play, one of our most famous regional newspaper gives her most beautiful photos. And after her defeat yesterday, though she showed much character, there is only small column news that she lost the match . These things do happen.
’’ From now on I am your fan: Well! Your tennis that is, hee hee. ’’
To say the truth, before I used to admire you for your beauty . And of my age, you definitely look good from some angles, especially with those violet glasses on.
Anyway, after yesterday’s bold game, you definitely have a fan for your tennis . Such is the courage you displayed. You made a bold statement on the Indian spirit, and we support you in the game.
’’ May you achieve the tennis glory ’’
At your age, I am and a lot more in India are sitting losers . But you have played in the most famous tennis court in the world. It is more than just a fairytale , for fairy tales happen for us, the ordinary guys. This is for sure hard work and dedication . Live on, little girl.
’’ Take the Indian spirit to fame ’’
Last night was a statement that you were here to stay. Now it is also up to you to prove it and achieve great heights, and in the process, take the Indian spirit to soaring heights. You will definitely have the support and prayers from the people of this great country.
’’ My favourite game- cricket. No offence done against you. This is only for the character and courage that the young girl displayed yesterday. ’’
Thank you for reading.
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