CHENNAI: If the recently-concluded Fed Cup Group II Playoffs in Hyderabad were about Team India finding a way to excel, it was also about an overseas player’s indomitable will. If a most valuable player prize was on offer, it would probably have gone to this diminutive dynamo representing the Philippines.
She won three singles and two doubles matches — her sole loss being the all-important doubles tie against India in the final.
Katharina Lehnert left an indelible mark with her aggressive play on court as much as her behaviour off it. Polite and reverent whenever engaged with pesky reporters or grinning fans, the 21-year-old managed to charm one and all. But, behind the calm exterior, the pain of defeat is evident. “I don’t consider myself the most valuable player because it was a team event. We won as a team and we lost as a team. It was disappointing, but India played great!” she tells Express via email.
Lehnert, whose father is German and mother Filipino, initially represented Germany on the ITF circuit until she decided to play for the Philippines in 2013. The move was based on gut. “I love spending time with my family in Germany, but I like to play for the Philippines because they’re nice people and I love the country.”
The youngster first picked up a racquet when seven, and fell in love with the sport thereafter. Even though the rankings list her as World No 645, like many patriots, she raises her level a few notches while representing her country. “Every match I give it everything. Of course, while playing for one’s country, it’s easier to keep fighting. But without my teammates and fans, it would’ve been much more difficult,” the two-time ITF titlist adds.
Remembering her sojourn in India – she took part in ITF tourneys in New Delhi and Aurangabad before being summoned for Fed Cup duties – Lehnert didn’t have much time to explore but did get a taste of the notoriously hot conditions. “I was in India a month ago for a couple of tournaments, and it’s an interesting country. However, I didn’t see Hyderabad much because we didn’t have much time. But the weather is really hot here!”
With many of the right qualities already instilled in her, maybe she could one day be the role model the Philippines is looking for.