Ramesh Krishnan, Former Top 30 ATP Player

By Ronald Agénor

Ramesh krishnan has been one of the greatest tennis players from India, leading his country to a Davis Cup final in 1987. He has extended the Krishnan tennis family tradition from his Grand Father to his father, the legendary Ramanthan Krishnan. I.T.M has traced this former top ATP player in the world. An exclusive I.T.M interview about his current activities, tour memories, and more.....

Ramesh, you were one of India’s foremost tennis players, where are you now?
I live in Chennai, my hometown. While I was an active player, I lived in Florida but since retiring I have moved back.

When did you stop playing on the Tour?
US Open 1993.

You won Wimbledon and the French Open in Juniors, in 1979, reached the ¼ finals at the US Open in 1981 & 1987, and the ¼ at Wimbledon in 1986, was that the peak of your career?
Those are some of the best results- that plus winning ATP Tour titles. I would say I was at my best from 1984 to 1989.

What is for you the greatest moment of your career?
Helping India reach the Davis Cup Final in 1987.

The worst?
Losing to Martin Jaite (Arg) in a Davis Cup match (1987) after leading 6-1;5-0; I have never felt worse after a tennis match.

Your father Ramanathan Krishnan was and is still a legend in India, did he influence you playing the game?
Very much so. And before him, my grand father. My grand father taught me the basics and after I turned 10 years old spent a lot of time with my father. We spent a lot of time together- he was my sparring partner, coach, chaperone, sometimes doubles partner, we have played against each other in matches etc.

He won Wimbledon in Juniors so you, it is very rare to have the father and son win the same tournament, specially Wimbledon.
Thank you. Yes, we are proud of that.

He reached the semi finals at Wimbledon in 1954, it is the best singles result ever for an Indian Tennis Player. Do you see any actual  Indian players capable of winning a Grand Slam?
He reached the semi final in 1960 and 1961. Right now, we are struggling to get players in the main draw of the Slams.

Since you have left the game, have you been following its evolution?
I definitely follow the results, watch big events on TV. But obviously not as closely as when I was actively playing.

You had a crystal game, a touc h out of this world. Is that the reflect of your personality?
I would say my game was a reflection of the way I was taught, my size and personality. Maybe, it is the same for everyone?

I think your racquets were strung at 18 Kgs (40 pounds), right?
In lbs, depending on the conditions, I have played with tensions 45 to 55

Who is your favorite player, Male and Female?
Male: I always admired the facility of Nastase. Female: the intensity of Steffi Graf

I remember you on the Tour traveling with your wife. Have you expanded the family since?
Priya- my wife. We have two daughters- Gayatri born 1989 and Nandita born 1991. My daughters will never forgive me if I don't mention our labrador, Simba. he is very much a part of our family.

Which is more challenging, raising kids or playing professional tennis?
Not a fair comparison. Raising kids- a lot of people do. Raising good kids- that is something else! playing professional tennis: not for everybody. so many factors come into play.

What are your current professional activities?
I run Krishnan Tennis Center. We have eleven tennis courts. This is more than ten years old and is going on fine. This apart, I am also involved in my family business. I also did a stint as the Indian Davis Cup Team captain.

Never interested in getting in politics in India?
No, not at all. I don't think I am cut out for that.

Today India is the most populous democracy in the world and the 4th largest economy in purchasing power in the world, and the 2nd fastest growing large economy in the world. With that, how can India have so many poor people, is it because of the number factor?
Yes, the numbers are very high. It also may have to do with equitable distribution of wealth.

There has been disputes over Kashmir, what is your point of view?
This is a very sensitive issue. I would rather not comment.

Can you tell us a little more about your religion and has your religion helped you overcome certain obstacles on the Tennis Circuit?
Religion is something very personal. And in India, it is a big part of our culture. And in the larger context, all religions tend to talk about the same issues.

Do you wish you would still play today?
I am 45 and I don't want to play today. If you give me a 15 year old body, I would say yes

Have you been contacted to compete in the Senior Tour and if given the chance would you have played?
I did play in the over 35 event at Wimbledon for a few years. Enjoyed that. Apart from that I never played in any senior tour. If invited, I would have played.
Now it is too late in the day.

Ramesh any of your kids are future tennis players?
Right now, more than tournament players, we have been getting a lot of recreational players. I am happy to see more and more young adults getting interested in tennis.

What are your future projects?
My elder daughter is about to graduate from high school and is getting ready to go to college. Younger daughter is in high school. Both play in junior tournaments. My wife and I have taken turns taking them to tournaments. We probably would have more time once both start their college education.

Ramesh, it was a pleasure talking to you, all the best to you and your family! 
Nice to hear from you. All the best.