“Get ready, Manas!” As the 15-year-old became the first player born in 2007 to compete in an ATP main draw match, cheers could be heard echoing throughout Centre Court. The eight-year-old tennis player Ridit Navale, who has been following his vocation intently for a year, was the most intense of every one of them.
On the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) website, Manas Dhamne did not have a player bio page until two days ago. On the day he was chosen as the third special case player in the singles draw for the fifth Goodbye Open Maharashtra, a Google search of his ATP page revealed his age, birthplace, and ethnicity. A picture was missing.
To learn about his accomplishments thus far, even ardent sports fans would need to type his name into the Google search bar. On the other hand, Dhamne was a well-known celebrity among the tens of thousands of people who came to the Balewadi Arena in Pune early on Monday, January 1st, to see him perform. Go ahead, Manas!’ As the 15-year-old became the main player brought into the world in 2007 to play a principal draw match during the ATP visit, drones echoed throughout Center Court. The most enthusiastic of them all was eight-year-old tennis player Ridit Navale, who had been closely following his career for a year.
Ridit, who was born and raised in Pune, continued to hold his father’s hand as he made his way toward the Balewadi Stadium entrance with a smile. “LETS GO MANAS” was written on a small sign that he was holding.
He reluctantly stated, “I have been following tennis since the age of four before his father corrected him by stating that he has been playing tennis since the age of four and has participated in fewer than eight competitions.” He had been following tennis since the age of four. “I am here to support Manas and Ramkumar (Ramanathan),” Ridit, a Novak Djokovic fan, added.
Because matches were held behind closed doors during the 2022 tournament, Covid restrictions restricted fans’ access to the stadium. However, fans are currently approaching the competition for the fifth time. For the qualifying matches, which also saw almost full side courts for Indian stars like Ramkumar, tickets were free. The most expensive round of the main draw costs INR 750, while the first round costs INR 150. Conversely, the cost of a pass to the semi-finals is INR 250, while the cost of a pass to the finals is INR 1750.
“With his tickets at the entrance gate, Rahul Deshmukh, an IT professional, patiently awaited the arrival of his family.” “Every year, we come here,” he stated. I enjoy playing tennis. I watch it on television similarly. “Humlog toh har saal dates check karte hai ki iss bar Goodbye Open kab hai,” he said with a grin on his face, “but whenever you have the opportunity to watch these players live, you couldn’t even begin to imagine the delight it brings me.”
“Today, certainly it is Manas Dhamne, who is only 15 years old and is set to make his ATP debut,” said Rahul, a fan of Roger Federer. when asked who is supporting me at this location. Everyone is looking forward to him playing.”
On Day 1 of the main draw matches at the Tata Open Maharashtra, the 15-year-old lost to 113-ranked Michael Mmoh 2-6, 2-4, much to the dismay of the hundred fans who had booed Manas. However, what impressed was his unwavering approach to tennis.
In his most memorable ATP match, which he played on the middle court with the group behind him, Manas showed no nerves. He was up against seven people who had been playing at the massive grand slam level for a long time. Manas was down two-all early in the match after winning with a forehand down the line and holding to 15 on serve. Mmoh, who was serving at an average of nearly 190, ultimately defeated him. However, he showed signs of retaliation in the subsequent set by breaking serve to make it 4-5 before Mmoh took control of the following game to win the match.
In a fierce two hours and 24 minutes, sixth seed Filip Krajinovic defeated Sumit Nagal, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, another guaranteed winner in the singles draw.
He acknowledged the significance of the support from the home crowd following the defeat and regretted the absence of tournaments like these in India. Despite the fact that you are fortunate to have only one ATP, you are dissatisfied with the absence of tournaments. Take into account the numerous tournaments that are held in France and Italy. A member of the top 100 has never competed in an international tournament. In addition, we have helped organize four competitions in recent years. because you are conscious of the significance of these things when your friends and fans are present. He stated, “It has an immense effect” during the Q&A session that followed the match.
India actually has two players in the singles principal draw, and the two of them will compete on Tuesday. No. 1 in India Ramkumar, who advanced through the qualifying rounds, will pose a threat to 1. Pedro Martinez is one. 1 Flavio Cobolli, who won the qualifiers, will face Mukund Sasikumar, also a wildcard participant.