I seem to be always depressed when I read about Indian tennis....

I distinctly remember the day when Mahesh Bhupathi won his first Grand Slam title at French Open with his dimunitive partner Rika Hiraki. I dont think many expected this unlikely pair to go all the way in that tournament. Mahesh had to chase quite a few lobs over Rika's head in that Grand Slam:) But that was a monumental event in Mahesh Bhupathi's career. It paved way for his numerous grand slam titles including a career grand slam in mixed doubles. It really saddens me that a player of such repute and such accomplishments should be unceremoniously let down by a country for whom he has served for so many years. The main issue here is that while the Olympic debacle went on, there was no attempt made by AITA, to stop individual press statements made by players and bring them to table to talk. Moreover,strict rules should have been in place about players talking to the press with regard to tournaments like Davis Cup,Asian Games,Olympics and Fed Cup. The more these guys dug their own holes,someone was smiling in the deep corridors of the AITA. After all the damage was done and India's players came back empty handed at Olympics, this was the perfect time to let go of one of India's legends. The"other" legend was excused from Davis Cup citing emotional distress, even though he was in US playing club tennis. If that isnt partiality, I am not sure what is.... Mahesh had treaded on AITA's toes long back when he made a bid to take over the AITA. The unease between the AITA and him have continued over the years. Talks of omitting kids from Bhupathi's Academy in Blore over local kids for international events may have not been just a rumor. Mahesh's recent announcement about partnering Daniel Nestor in 2013 comes as a good news to those, like me, are only interested in the Indian cause. Mahesh is not retiring, but, when he does, I want to recall his best Davis Cup ties, his medals and his Grand Slam titles. Not this tainted picture....He surely deserves more than this!!

Amazing Grace-Kim

Being a mom changes everything in so many ways. All the things that seemed most important in life, become trivial when a child comes into the scene. Kim Clijsters was frequently torn between guilt of not spending too much time with her daughter and her own drive to win grand slam titles. Winning Grand Slams titles being a mom is phenomenal and Kim Clisters's second run after retirement was even better. She won 2 back to back titles at the US Open and won an Australian Open in 2011. Playing Olympics for Belgium was just as special for her. From 1999 when she began her career playing doubles with an obscure Indian player to finishing up her career in 2012 Olympics with Bob Bryan, Kim Clijsters has shown amazing class and poise. And its not just her backhand or the splits that will be missed. As she says good bye to the tennis world, Kim Clijsters leaves a void that cannot be filled in the Women's tour. For one, she is a people's champion. She won hearts of everyone around her including her rivals and compatriots alike with her modesty and humility. She said in an interview with tennis channel "All humans are equal and just because I win so many titles doesn't change that". Such honest words show the depth of her personality. The only other champion on the Women's tour who touched the hearts of many by her humility was Aranxta Sanchez Vicario. Kim Clijsters can breathe easy now and relish the thought of spending her quality time with family. While the world bids adieu to a genuine person and a champion, Kim Clijsters can be assured of millions of warm heartfelt vibes sent her way in this new chapter of her life.......