CHENNAI: “Stick the volley a little,” Leander Paes gently told Ramkumar Ramanathan as the latter’s shot sailed long. Saketh Myneni, in the forecourt with Ramkumar, also gave him some tips. A few moments later, as Paes’ backhand found the top of the net, it was Ramkumar’s turn to offer feedback.
“Try and come over it more,” the 22-year-old said with a smile.
The trio enjoyed an hour-long knock-about session on the Chennai Open Centre Court on Saturday, making it seem more like pre-Davis Cup practice. Even captain Anand Amritraj, who’s doing commentary during the event, showed up at one point! He looked a little amused to see three of the four members of his ‘most likely’ team for the Asia/Oceania Zone Group I tie against New Zealand in Pune.
Speaking to Express, Paes said the camaraderie that exists between the team is wonderful and he cherishes the interpersonal relationships he shares with each member.
“I love hitting with our guys. I do that whenever I get the chance. It’s a great way to bond. Plus, it’s always a two-way street as they point out some issues with my game and I help them with theirs. An exchange of information or feedback from one’s peers is a great way to stay on one’s toes. At the end of the day, all of us want the other to excel,” the 43-year-old opined. His insight into the upcoming tie against New Zealand was interesting to say the least. “I think they have a stronger doubles team but we have the better singles players.”
It seems Ramanathan was initially supposed to train with someone else, but when that got cancelled, Myneni and Paes stepped in to ‘save’ the day. A wild card entrant into the singles main draw, the Chennai lad felt ‘hanging out on court’ with Paes & Co was a welcome upgrade. “It’s always great to learn from a legend like Leander. He could have trained with anyone, but when he picked us — that’s a good feeling. While some of the rallies are fun and games, he has a keen sense and makes valid points,” Ramanathan added.
Amritraj, whose tenure expires after the February 3-5 tie, also gave his two cents, calling it an impromptu exercise in team building. He revealed it would be a tough call to decide which two guys would play the singles rubbers. “I just happened to walk onto the court and was surprised to see the three having a fun time. As a captain, it’s what you want to see, right?
They’re all hitting the ball well, so I’m going to have to rack my brain to pick the two singles players,” Amritraj signed off.
rohan@newindianexpress.com