After coming close to a maiden Grand Slam appearance twice earlier this season, Saketh Myneni earned his space in the main draw at the final Slam of the year with a convincing 6-3, 6-0 win over Serbain Pedja Kristin in the third and final round of the qualifiers in New York, on Friday.
The 28-year-old had to clear three rounds of qualification before claiming his spot at the US Open. “When I won yesterday I didn’t know how to express it or how to react,” Myneni told this newspaper.
“It was a dream come true for me. Now I’m here and hopefully I can continue this form and kick it up. I’m very happy and looking forward to the big challenges ahead,” he added.
Myneni broke Pedja thrice, as opposed to once for the Serb to take the first set with ease before demolishing his opponent in the second set for an easy win.
Myneni, ranked 143, will now face the Czech Republic’s Jiri Vesely, who was part of the Davis Cup side that defeated India in the World Group playoff in Delhi last year, in the first round.
“It’s a tough match and he has done well and is in the top 50 in the world. For me, I just want to have fun and do my best and hopefully I can keep this up,” remarked the lanky Indian.
Should he get past the big-serving Czech, he will be up against Novak Djokovic in all likelihood.
The Davis Cupper, who studied at the University of Alabama, also took time to thank his friends who cheered him on during the qualifiers, calling themselves the ‘Saki Squad’. “They are one of the major reasons I am here. This is home away from home for me and full credit to them for coming and cheering me on in the extreme conditions here. I have known them for quite a while and for them to come, wearing my T-shirts and all, is a great feeling,” he revealed.
