The Dream: Playing the night session at Flushing Meadows against Agassi (the man I’ve looked up to all my tennis life) in front of a packed crowd on Arthur Ashe stadium where Steffi is Mrs. Haresh and not Mrs. Andre
Reality: Playing in the sultry afternoon at MSLTA in front of 8 spectators against the man I’ve HAD to look up to all my life (at 6 feet, he is nearly 2 inches taller to me, you see).
50 years from now when I still hope to be playing like our very own Mr. Shakti Parmar (old man, pony tail, court no. 5), I’m sure to look back on the weekend that just went by for more reasons than one. In Jon Wertheim tradition, here are my parting shots on the inaugural AATP Championship –
•If ever proof was needed that finding something you’re passionate about makes life more meaningful, this was it. The drive and energy of organizing our own tournament, the joy of participating and the camaraderie and bonding amongst all of us beats a desk-job at a bank hands down any day
•Any fears that the result of the all-sibling final would be orchestrated by Father Ramchandani were laid to rest as both brothers battled hard for a win. Family sources say that Father was rooting for his first-born to win
•The shot of the tournament was Bharat’s awesome backhand passing shot against Ayaz (which his opponent described as the best passing shot he’s ever seen from across the net); never mind that I didn’t see it but let’s put it down for the record books anyway
•Siddharth Singh Rathore’s controversial decision to forfeit his last round-robin match had everyone up in arms. Word has it that after closed-door cyber conversations with the organizers, he will be back for the next tournament after all
•The round robin encounter between Bharat and Jonty was probably the most intriguing early round match-up; not in the least for the much publicized bathroom break
•Ayaz’s fantastic comeback from 0-5 down to beat Jonty 7-5 clinched him a semi-final spot. Let’s keep the insinuations about ANKLEGATE aside for now, and appreciate the effort
•Props to Haresh for a commendable effort using a makeshift racket in his come back against Rizwan from 1-5 down to win 7-5; And no, we wont be taking a stand on the chick tennis vs. chick attitude sidestory either
•In a bizzare twist, Siddharth Sharma turned up on all 3 days of the tournament and warmed up Haresh for his semi and final but made no official comment as to why he did not participate. Agents Moulder and Scully have been drafted in to solve this X-File
•Jonty Kandpal’s gutsy play and terrific attitude. Nothing more to add but do read this link
•Very few people at this level would re-schedule their international travel, re-join work one day late; and also give up smoking in order to build stamina for this tournament. Rizwan Sumar will sorely be missed at the second edition.
•Even fewer people would give up a spot on Nach Baliye. Anil Goel deserves a special mention
•Word is spreading about the AATP pretty quick. Interested participants for the next edition include a famous South Mumbai fertility specialist and not-so-famous physical trainer of a very famous South Mumbai industrialist. Don’t be surprised if you read about the AATP in the Sunday Times in the coming weeks
•Our respectable Mr. Bhatt could do with more than a few tips from the pro-ams. When word got around that they were in the cafeteria till 11 pm on opening night, Bhatt sounded out Ashutosh for a personal chat in the bathroom. We’re not sure of what transpired inside but I think we might hear more about this in the future
•We’ve all seen how competition at its highest level can come between even the best of friends. Relieved to see all friendships survive the test this weekend, even though I had my doubts several times
•Tennis-crazy Mrs. Nalini Goel made it for the evening sessions but chose to stay away for the battle of her sons on Saturday morning. For the record Ashutosh beat Anil 6-1 and kept the flag of older brothers flying high for a while
•Word on the street is that a certain Ms. Bijal, often seen in the stands this weekend, is finally managing to push Ashutosh into the holy bond of matrimony. February is when I’ve been told will be the wedding. Ladbrokes is currently giving odds on where the honeymoon will be. MSLTA is the odds-on favorite
•Watch out for 9 month old Rohan Kandpal. Talent scouts are reportedly queuing up outside the Kandpal residence to sign him up. However, I have been informed that all his endorsements and media activities will be handled by the AATP itself
•The identity of the mysterious philanthropist who donated the cool bags for the two finalists has been revealed. His name is Mr. Jay Sharma (no relation to Siddharth), works for Pantaloon Retail and is a close friend of Haresh
•Special note of thanks to Ashutosh for spearheading this initiative. The event wouldn’t be complete without the trophies, certificates, the FREE Baskin Robbins vouchers and, of course, his fantastic sense of humor and spirit
•Missed in all the acknowledgements was some well-deserved appreciation for Mangesh & gang for all the paid Gatorade, Water and Sandwiches
•And on a final note, let’s thank those Brits for introducing this wonderful sport to the world. God Bless the Queen and all of us!! See u guys next time around!!
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