Ramkumar Ramanathan is a man of few words and would rather let his racquet do the talking. Despite a series of good matches against quality opposition, with the best against World No. 8 Dominic Thiem on grass in Antalya, the 22-year-old Ramkumar has nothing much to say, except expressing gratitude to his coaches.
It is not surprising as Ramkumar always had the potential to play the big game, as seen from his performance at the Chennai Open in recent years, except at the start of this season when he was outplayed by Yuki Bhambri.
Wake-up call
Maybe, it was a timely wake-up call and he sought direct attention from coach Emilio Sanchez in Florida to set his career back on the rails. “I have been working hard, and been playing many matches.
“I think the advice I have been getting from my coach Emilio Sanchez on a daily basis is priceless,” said Ramkumar, without going into details.
After having worked with Juan Balcells and Sergio Casal, it was something specific for Ramkumar that helped him galvanise all his energy and focus on the way forward. “Sanchez helped me during the start of the year in his academy in Florida.
“ I have been following it and listening to his words,” said Ramkumar, after stumbling out of the final qualifying round in the ATP Tour event on grass in Newport.
“We have always known Ram has had the potential when he did well in Chennai a few years ago. I think his change of coach this year and working with Sanchez has helped him a lot and given him plenty of confidence,” said Davis Cup captain Mahesh Bhupathi.
Ramkumar said that it was great to have people believing in him and guiding him on the right path.
“It is always good to have people around who believe that you can make it. That gives me the belief too. I am grateful for that.
“The win against Thiem makes me believe more,” said Ramkumar.
“He is India’s No.1 currently and I think he is positioned well to break into the top-100 if he continues his run in the second half of the season,” said Bhupathi.
Having negotiated the bad stretches with conviction, Ramkumar does relish the smooth flow in the professional journey.
“He is prepared to do everything in his power to sustain the good run, with suitable guidance.
Ramkumar has won 31 ITF Futures titles, including 16 singles, and is looking forward to capitalising on his stay in the big league.
