Indian No.2 Ramkumar Ramanathan was interviewed by Divya Gopalan during his time at the Taipei ATP Challenger.

Transcript of the interview below

Interviewer: What made you decide to become a professional tennis player?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: Honestly, I owe a lot to my dad for that. He was the one who got me into tennis when I was just a little kid, around five years old. For a long time, it was all about balancing tennis and school, like it is for most Indian kids. Education is a big deal in our culture. But my parents, especially my dad, were incredibly supportive of my passion for tennis. You see, my dad didn’t have that kind of backing from his family when he was young, so he really wanted me to have the freedom to pursue what I truly loved.

Interviewer: You started playing at five and turned pro at 15. Can you tell us about that turning point? What changed in your life when you became a professional tennis player at such a young age, a time when most kids are barely thinking about their futures?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: Well, I just genuinely loved playing tennis. I looked forward to every practice session. Slowly, as I started competing in tournaments around India, I discovered a real love for the competitive aspect. Winning those early tournaments, even at a small scale, was a huge motivator. It made me feel like I had a knack for this. When I won the junior nationals at 14, the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association gave me a life-changing opportunity. They sponsored a six-month training stint for me in Spain. Getting that international exposure was pivotal for my development. I think every aspiring tennis player should have that kind of chance to see how the game is played at a higher level.

Interviewer: Your highest singles ranking was 111, which is a fantastic achievement. But I’m curious, why do you think you never quite cracked the top 100?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: There were a few times when I was really close, hovering around that mark. For about seven or eight years, I was consistently ranked below 200, regularly qualifying for Grand Slams. So, I didn’t dwell on the top 100 too much. Maybe I played too many tournaments, or perhaps luck wasn’t on my side during those peak moments. But I haven’t given up hope. If I keep playing and competing hard, I believe I can still reach that milestone.

Interviewer: You did crack the top 100 in doubles, reaching a ranking of 94. Can you tell us about the differences between playing singles and doubles, and how you change your mindset for each?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: Doubles success is often about partnerships, and I’ve been fortunate to have some great ones. I want to thank Rohan Bopanna, with whom I won two titles. Our partnership began unexpectedly, but it turned out to be a great run. I’ve always played both singles and doubles in tournaments, and I enjoy the different challenges each presents. Doubles helps my singles game, and I’ve had success in both formats with Indian partners and on the international tour.

Interviewer: What’s your message to players about rankings and numbers? How should they view those figures?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: Rankings are important, especially when you look back at your career. They give you a sense of your achievements. But ultimately, it’s about enjoying the game and not making it feel like a chore. That’s when you’ll play your best tennis. Striving for a top 100 or top 50 ranking is a great goal, and we all work towards that, but it shouldn’t be the only measure of success.

Interviewer: Only four Indian tennis players have won Grand Slams, and the number of highly ranked Indian players on the ATP tour is quite limited. Why do you think that is, considering India’s size and potential talent pool?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: India has the infrastructure to develop a lot of players, but it’s a challenging path. Tennis is becoming increasingly competitive globally, especially with so many strong players from Europe and the US. The physical aspect of the game is also demanding, and European players often have a genetic advantage in that regard. While Indian players have talent, work ethic, and practice play a huge role. We need to push ourselves further. Additionally, the financial investment required to pursue a tennis career can be a barrier in India. While federations are helping, more support would certainly be beneficial.

Interviewer: The Olympics are coming up, and you might have a chance to represent India. Why is that important to you?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: The Olympics, Asian Games, and Grand Slams are the pinnacle for any athlete. To represent India in the Olympics would be a dream come true. Rohan Bopanna is an exceptional player, and we’ve had success as a doubles team. While the decision of who he partners with is ultimately his, I would be honored to play alongside him if given the opportunity.

Interviewer: Tennis is as much a mental game as a physical one. How do you prepare mentally for a match?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: The mental aspect is crucial. If something is bothering you off the court, it will affect your performance on the court, just like in any other profession. I was lucky to be introduced to yoga and meditation at a young age, which helped me develop calmness and focus. I still try to incorporate those practices into my routine. It’s all about staying calm, focused, and not getting distracted by external factors. Having a good support system is also essential. Coaches, family, and friends play a big role in keeping you mentally strong and motivated.

Interviewer: Can you share a specific moment, either during a match or off the court, that validated your decision to be a tennis player?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: Honestly, I’ve never regretted choosing this path, even during the tough times. There’s a unique feeling you get when you’re fighting on the court, even when you’re losing. That belief that you can win, that things will turn around, is what keeps you going. Tennis has taught me so much about perseverance and resilience. Those lessons apply to life beyond the court as well.

Interviewer: For young players aspiring to reach your level, what sacrifices should they be prepared to make?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: It takes a lot of sacrifice. When I left home at 14, it was incredibly difficult. I missed my family and friends, and the simple things like going out for dinner or spending time with loved ones. You have to be disciplined and focused on your training, which means missing out on some of the usual teenage experiences. But if you truly love the game, those sacrifices become easier to bear.

Interviewer: How do you personally cope with losses? What’s your message to others struggling with defeats?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: Losses are tough, but they’re also valuable learning experiences. It’s natural to feel down after a loss, but it’s important to not let it shake your confidence. Take some time to analyze the match, see what you could have done differently, and then move on. It’s crucial to have people around you who believe in you, whether it’s a coach, family, or friends. Talk to them, get their perspective, and use that feedback to fuel your next performance. Remember, every loss is a chance to come back stronger.

Interviewer: Since you’re in Taiwan, what have you enjoyed about your time here?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: I’ve always had a good experience in Taiwan. I love the bubble tea, and there are plenty of options for Indian food, which is a bonus for me. I’ve played well here in the past, reaching the singles final in 2018. The atmosphere and the people are great.

Interviewer: You’ve accomplished a lot in your career. What’s next for you? What goals are you still pursuing?

Ramkumar Ramanathan: My main goal is to get back into the top 100. I know it won’t be easy, but I believe I have the game for it. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, especially on the fitness side. In the short term, I want to qualify for the US Open and other Grand Slams. The Olympics are also a big target for me. I’d be honored to represent India and, hopefully, even win a medal. Ultimately, I want to keep pushing myself, improving my game, and playing at the highest level for as long as I can.