Jun 29 2009
Prakash Amritraj meets Mahesh Bhupathi: Wimbledon 2009
Two names come to our mind when we discuss about the participation of Indians in big tennis events like Grand Slams. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. These two have created records playing together in men’s doubles and had won many Grand Slam titles even after playing with different partners. The last two decades in Indian tennis had been generally related to these great players. Of course, you could Ramesh Krishnan and Sania Mirza to the list, but Mahesh and Leander had been regular customers to the grand slams for the past 15 years or so.
So, when you hear another name in a grand slam doubles, you are in for a surprise. Yes, Wimbledon 2009 men’s doubles event had four Indian players. Leander Paes playing with Lukas Dlouhy; Mahesh Bhupathi playing with Mark Knowles; Prakash Amritraj playing with Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi and Somdev Devvarman playing with Kevin Anderson.
First Round
In the first round, Somdev Devvarman/ Kevin Anderson pair met Mahesh Bhupathi/ Mark Knowles pair. Mahesh/ Mark pair won the match 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 7-5. Not only Somdev’s march halted in the first round; another Indian also lost in the first round. The third seeds Leander Paes/ Lukas Dlouhy lost to unseeded USA pair James Blake/ Mardy Fish in straight sets 4-6,4-6,3-6. But, the Indian/ Pakistan pair of Prakash/ Qureshi had a tough first round match against 16th seeds Stephen Huss/ Ross Hutchins. Prakash/ Qureshi lifted their level of play to win the match in five sets 6-4, 6-7, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Second Round
In the second round, Mahesh Bhupathi/ Mark Knowles beat Philipp/ Alexander Peya 6-3, 7-5, 6-7, 6-3. Prakash/ Qureshi also moved ahead by defeating Rameez Junaid/ Philipp Marx in another five set thriller 7-5, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 8-6.
Third Round
This leads to an interesting duel between an Indian legend and an upcoming Indian youngster in the round of 16. Mahesh has been here many times and knows what to do. Mahesh/ Mark are seeded 4th and they are the favourites. For Prakash Amritraj, this is his best ever showing in a Grand slam tournament and he will be happy to go and play his natural game.
Whatever happens, one Indian will be there in the quarterfinals stage.
