JOIN USAnand Amritraj was befuddled after the proceedings of day one of Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 tie against Korea Republic. Never in his 25 years of career, he had seen both the players in a match cramping up. He drew the comparison of the contest between Saketh Myneni and Yong Kyu Lim like watching two boxers in a ring.
“It was like watching the movie Rocky. It was about who would get down first. I have never seen something like that in my 25-year career. I always knew Saketh was gutsy but today he showed tremendous heart. I knew whoever could stand for long, will win. The break in the fifth set certainly helped us,” said Amritraj.
With both the Korean players retiring hurt, Amritraj admitted it was not easy to play in hot and humid conditions and complimented Ramanathan Ramkumar and Saketh for putting India on verge of victory.
“It was trial by fire for the boys. I am happy for Ramkumar for winning his first Davis Cup match. He played a bit dodgy in between but then took control. My hair have greyed more after these two matches!,” he laughed.
Saketh, 28, was delighted to finish his first five-setter. “I was not thinking of quitting at all. It was great to play the five sets, at least I got to finish it. I just needed to keep moving. The support staff played a great role. Without them I would not have been able to continue,” Saketh spoke while standing. He couldn’t sit because of cramps.
Saketh revealed he had a high “sweat rate” and the cause of his problem today was more physical. “I must have drunk some 15 liters of water today! I was changing shirts with frequency. I sweat a lot and that played a part.”