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Manisha sets the trend for women

S K John

NEW DELHI, AUG 17: At a time when women's tennis is pulling in the crowds far more than a Pete Sampras-Andre Agassi all-American clash, an Indian woman pro winning a title, never mind the miniscule prize money and proportionate points, has created a mere whimper. Nothing surprising, in the sense that Manisha Malhotra's first title -- the $10,000 Satellite at Harisonburg (Virginia) early this month -- is perhaps the beginning of a career which has the potential of taking a path far removed from the typical Indian way.

Sportswomen in India live their dreams within the country with an occasional whiff of foreign competition thrown in. Even before joining the talent debate they quietly move out, as it were, making room for the next bunch of hopefuls whose destiny may not be vastly different from their seniors.

So when Indian women begin winning abroad, particularly in individual sports, it is worth lauding the determination of professionals like Manisha who has done well thus far to survive in a heartlessprofession like tennis. Women's tennis is all about teenage divas -- 15-year-olds who storm into Grand Slam semi-finals and still feel they haven't played to potential.

Manisha is 22, about two years younger to the elder Indian pro on the circuit, Nirupama Vaidyanathan. Nirupama was the first to break the barrier, flying away to play and experience how good she was in the big league. It is far too early to pass judgement on how good these two Indian girls will be in a sport where the top 50 players' serve may only be slightly less threatening than the men's.

That could also be why Manisha, who left India after Standard IX to live in the United States, has it in her to succeed on the Tour because she seems to have got over the mind block of a typical Indian sportswoman. Aggressive, and a body language good enough to earn psychological points on the court, Manisha has learnt lessons in surviving on the lowest rung on the game, from where she is currently trying to inch ahead.

The power of thegroundstrokes, groomed over the years at Bollettieri's, and the ability to come in for the volley all make her a player who can make a mark on the circuit. However, for a player of her ranking and experience, a bit more consistency and hard work on movement can see her in different league.

For consistency, she's got to play more tournaments. But for that, she's also got to have more money to spend. Working on footwork means she's got to hire somebody who would tell her what to do. With no sponsors and no backing whatsoever from any quarter, Manisha depends on her family to keep her going on the circuit. Trying to make it as a professional on a shoe-string budget is obviously fraught with far too many heartbreaks.

The apprehension of sustaining herself, week after week, is something that needs urgent attention. Then, Manisha Malhotra can hope to get some great results.

INDIANS ON THE WTA TOUR

Nirupama Vaidyanathan (ranked 202)
Manisha Malhotra (385)
Sai Jayalakshmi (451)
RushmiChakravarthi (677)

MANISHA MALHOTRA FACTFILE