Talented Saketh promises a lot

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Saketh Myneni comes across as a man on a mission, solely intent on making it big in the world of tennis.

The 24-year old native of Vishakapatnam has been making waves on the ITF circuit in what has been a fledgling career.

This being only his first season as a pro, Saketh has already made a mark as a rising star on the horizon and someone worth keeping tabs on by winning three ITF tournaments dating back to November 2011.

Last week he further enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a gritty title-winning performance in Chennai. To have won three events in such a short span of time was something that was even beyond Saketh’s wildest dreams.

For someone who started playing the sport in right earnest only at the age of 11, the rise has been swift.

In the city to take part in the KCG Verghese-GNC ITF futures tennis tournament, Saketh chooses to go down the memory lane recalling his introduction to the sport, “I wanted to get involved in a physical activity and that’s how I began playing tennis.

I owe a large debt of gratitude to my parents, who have stood by my side through thick and thin. Without their support and encouragement I wouldn’t have come this far,” says the strapping Saketh.

Elaborating on the goals that he set for himself in the short to long term, Saketh with a glint in his eye nailed his colours to the mast saying assuredly that his primary focus is on improving his ranking.

“I will keep plugging away at furthering my ranking and the sooner I do that the better my prospects of representing the country at the Davis Cup.

Playing for India in the Davis Cup is something that every budding player aspires to and I am no different,” adds Saketh.

Moving to the subject of the players that he wished to emulate in his salad days, pat came the answer from Saketh, “Andre Agassi will always be the one that I admire despite him having retired six years ago.

He has truly been a trailblazer and has rendered yeoman service to the sport.” Sharing his thoughts on the surfaces he prefers to play on, Saketh was quick to point out that grass and hard-courts bring the best out of his game.

“I am an all-court player and playing on grass or hard-courts suits my style of game better as opposed to playing on clay. But regardless of the surface I am made to play on, I step onto the court determined to win,” avers Saketh, who is straining at the leash to add another piece of silverware to his ever bulging trophy cabinet.