CHENNAI: While looking up Prajnesh Gunneswaran on ATP’s website, you’re hardpressed to not be surprised. Under the ‘coach’ column you can find ‘Waste Tennis University’. What?
Aficionados will correctly point out that the name is Schuttler Waske Tennis – University in Germany the hilarious, error elicited a puzzled reaction from Prajnesh. “Really? No, no. I must definitely get them to change that,” said the lanky left-hander, who still trains there.
That minor slip aside, Prajnesh is flying high. On December 22, the All India Tennis Association announced that he was on the shortlist for the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I encounter against New Zealand, during February 3-5, 2017 in Pune. Others in contention are Saketh Myneni, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Yuki Bhambri and Leander Paes.
If he eventually makes the final four (to be decided two weeks before the tie), it would be quite a moment for the 27-year-old. He sat as a reserve during the World Group Playoff clash against Spain in September. “It’s good to know I’m getting opportunities to represent the country or, at least, maybe have a shot at playing for India. I’ve been playing well, so my ranking has improved. Since I haven’t really been in the country, it was good to be a reserve and get to know the guys in September. It was quite an experience,” Prajnesh added.
Like most Indian players, the World No 320 has had his share of injuries — chronic tendonitis in the knees — but after a few years of distress, physiotherapy seems to have come through for him. “This year, I took part in 19 tournaments. However, to make any significant jump, I need to play close to 30 a season. I went to a lot of physios in Germany and the US, and they suggested I undergo a surgery. Luckily, the last one was not required,” the Chennai native said.
With qualifying rounds for the Chennai Open set to start this weekend, he’s not sure if he’ll get a direct entry or require a wild card. Nonetheless, Karti Chidambaram, chairman, organising committee, seems to have that covered.
“I’m not in the qualifying draw yet, but there’s a chance I’ll get a wild card. I spoke to Karti and he said he’ll help me out if I can’t get in directly. Fingers crossed.”
Now that’s neat, isn’t it?