ITF Seniors World Individual Championships: Mayur Vasant scripts a 'veteran' triumph for India

MUMBAI: At a time when Indian tennis players are hardly making their presence felt in the individual category, a little-known 56-year-old from the city has achieved a feat in a little-known tournament which may just inspire the others.
Mayur Vasant, who trains youngsters at his academy in Kalina for the All-India Tennis Association (AITA) stunned everyone when he clinched a silver medal in the ITF Seniors World Individual Championships (for 55-plus age group category), which was held from 25 June-2 July in Helsinki.
Vasant's achievement can be considered special since no Indian had gone beyond the quarterfinals in this tournament, which saw the participation of 10 Indians amongst 128 players overall in the 55-plus category. The 'left-hander' was the only unseeded player who made it to the last eight.
"Though I was playing in the local veteran's circuit for the past 12 years, this is the first time I was taking part in an international ranking tournament. Earlier, I didn't have the money to do so, but this time, AITA and the Cricket Club of India (CCI), of which I’m a member, made it possible by sponsoring me.
"Since no Indian had done well in the past in this event, there were no expectations from me, but once I started winning, the whole atmosphere changed, with even players from other countries supporting me. The other players from India, who had bowled out of the tournament earlier, changed their plans to root for me, and the locals in Helsinki too were right behind me. I was living in a dream world," a naturally-elated Vasant, who pocketed a mere $600 in prize money after losing to the US' Jaques Hervet in the final, told TOI on Monday.
"Though I lost in straight sets (1-6, 3-6), it was a tough match, with almost every game going to 'deuce'. Hervet, who is World No 5, acknowledged later that I gave him a tough fight," he claims.
In Vasant's family, tennis runs in the blood. His father G Vasant played in the Davis Cup and became a coach later. His sister Nirupama Mankad was a former India No 1, while his nephew Harsh Mankad too played in the Davis Cup.
"Ours is the only family in India which has seen tennis players who've played for India over three generations," the Bandra-resident boasts proudly. His son Miring Manek, incidentally, represented India in the Asian Kayaking Championship. "I dedicate this medal to my father, who coached me. My family always had faith in me that I'd win something in Finland, and all of them, and my wards, were following my progress continuously. I returned to an emotional welcome, with around 11 of my playing colleagues there to receive me at the airport at 4:40 in the morning," he says.