BENGALURU: Indian junior tennis player
Abhimanyu Vannemreddy
, who won himself a wild card entry to the junior French Open, described his journey to
Roland Garros
as a surreal experience.
Racing against time to make it to France for the final stage of the RendezVous Roland Garros event as a lucky loser from India, Abhimanyu entered the competition not expecting much as had to contend with national finalists from five other countries. As fate would have it, he came through with flying colours defeating
Hikaru Shiraishi
of Japan 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 in the final.
"I'm just so happy. After the initial euphoria, things are getting back to normal now," the Bengaluru lad told TOI on Sunday. "It's great to see so many people back home enjoying this victory," added the 17-year-old, who is coa ched by
Vivek Satyajit
and has also worked with former Davis Cupper Vishal Uppal. "To play in my first Grand Slam is great."
After regional winner
Sidhanth Banthia
, initially set to compete in Paris, pulled out due to an injury, Abhimanyu was called into action. "I got to know on a Saturday and immediately applied for a visa and flew in on a Wednesday," said the youngster, who was in action just 24 hours later. "I thought it would be tough to focus with so many things happening but I went about my work," said the student of National Institute of Open Schooling in Noida.
"I wasn't expecting much of myself but I'm glad I was able to pull through," said Abhimanyu, who idolizes
Roger Federer and
Novak Djokovic.
Abhimanyu, a keen ice-skater and a go-karting enthusiast, thanked parents Veerababu and Kalpana apart from younger sister Theertha, for their support."They have been amazing, making a lot of sacrifices, from the start. I dedicate this win to them," he said.
A finalist in a couple of National tournaments and an Under-16 National Series winner two years ago, Abhimanyu said he was keen to make his biggest achievement count. "I have a long way to go and a lot to work on but I am going to give my best and enjoy myself in Paris. From not being in this event to where I am, it's been surreal," he said.
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