Hesh turns 33

Happy birthday Mahesh. As you blow out the 33 candles on your cake in Paris today, I am sure, like most people, you will reminisce on the year that has rolled by.

But I guess this birthday becomes even more special as it has seen you do well in doubles with Radek Stepanek this fortnight at the French Open. I know the world of tennis does not care too much about doubles, but I guess old timers like me (should I really be calling myself that?) do understand, realise and appreciate what you have achieved as a tennis professional and overall in life.

I have often heard stories from tennis pros (you included) of how tough life is on the Tour, wherein you virtually live your life out of suitcases and travel so much. I guess, unless you enjoy doing that, you would not be in this business at all. I still remember, the first time when people saw you play at home, way back in 1994 for the first time, tongues were wagging that you had no footwork and would never make it big!

I am tempted to mention some of the names of people who said that, but I guess I will stop myself simply for obvious reasons. Actually Mahesh, your birthday has kind of woken me up because I am on a holiday and have not bothered to go anywhere near a computer the last six days. But I promise myself, I will not go back to the PC after this again till my vacation ends.

Coming back to your 33 years gone by, I do not know how you would analyse it. But I guess, you have had great moments on and off the court, and most important, you continue to work as hard as you did when you were a teenager slugging it out with your dad in the desert heat of Oman.

They say, the last phase of a sportsperson’s career can be really tough. I guess, in your case, 2007 was a mixed one, where you chose a new partner in Radek and kept waiting for that “one big break” to borrow your own phrase. It was in 1997, you won your first Grand Slam title with Rika Hiraki. Maybe the time has come for you to again get a big Cup for your showcase.

And even if you don’t, I guess there is nothing to feel bad about. People have said Radek is reeling under the curse of the Black Widow, just because he is dating Martina Hingis. I am sure, you have been lucky for him in a few ways, as his singles results have not been too hot off late.

There is plenty of tennis left in this season and 2008 becomes special as it is the Olympic year. OK, I will stop here, as if I talk more on Beijing, I will be tempted to write about the great ‘Indian Express’ which stopped chugging long back.

Enjoy yourself mate…