In the intensely competitive world of tennis, it is easy be consumed by the race for rankings, and lose one’s way.
Experience has taught the 28-year-old Sasikumar Mukund to step back and re-focus, aligning himself to the judicious path of getting stronger with one’s game and fitness. Better rankings are achieved easier that way, rather than through the endless cycle of tournaments around the world, without any breathing time between them.
Mukund has slipped to number three in the country behind Sumit Nagal (169) and the 19-year-old Aryan Shah (450). Ranked 456, with only two points keeping him away from the second place, Mukund is not worried.
“I was ranked number one briefly. I was losing close matches. Decided to work on the aspects to get better. Took time off to train,” said Mukund on Sunday, hours after returning “amidst tight security” to Delhi from China, where he had lost the semifinal against the first seed.
After playing a series of ATP Challengers, apart from the successful Davis Cup tie against Togo at home, Mukund decided to prepare well and compete in the ITF event in Botou.
“Playing the four Challengers in India immediately after the Davis Cup was hard. And then, had to play in the qualifying event in a couple of them. Experience teaches us about the art of making the right choice,” said Mukund, who had played 35 tournaments in 2024, winning 41 matches and one title.
Mukund has no qualms in conceding that having Challengers at home is good for the tennis ecosystem, even though he was the only player who won a singles round in the four tournaments.
Earlier this season, Mukund won just five matches across seven tournaments. However, he was able to win three matches in a row after staying away from the circuit for four weeks.
“Losing close matches is not a mental issue. It only shows that physical preparation has not been good. When you sharpen your game, you are able to execute the shots at key moments that decide a match. You don’t even think. It becomes muscle memory”, reasoned Mukund.
Mukund heads to Georgia next for Challengers.
The former World No. 229 will be without a coach, as his long-time mentor Martin Spottl is out with an achilles injury.
“Irrespective of the coaching, supportive system or anything, I am responsible for how I play on court, and my results. If I am ranked 456, I can’t blame the world,” said Mukund, who has realised that taking responsibility was the best way forward, towards growth.
There are no guarantees in life. You may do all the right things, and the good results may elude. Mukund assures that he would not spare the effort.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com