Divij Sharan, partnering Ken Skupski of Britain, clinched the doubles title in the Euro 42,500 men’s Challenger tennis tournament, with a 4-6, 7-6(3), 10-6 victory over fourth seeds Ilija Bozoljac of Serbia and Flavio Cipolla of Italy, in Recanati, Italy on Saturday.
It was the first Challenger title of the season for the 29-year-old Divij, and the seventh of his career. Quite interestingly, it was the first Challenger title for the Delhi lad, with a foreign player.
His earlier six Challenger doubles titles had come with Indian partners.
“I didn't even realise that. I have played many matches with foreign partners.
“I have known Ken for a while. It didn't feel like we were playing with each other for the first time,” said Divij.
“Ken has won the titles here in 2011 and 2013. I guess, I did well in choosing him as my partner,” said Divij, when contacted by The Hindu , soon after his victory.
Divij said that he was lucky, as Ken’s regular partner, his brother Neal, was busy playing World Team tennis in the US.
“Both of us are lefties and we used it to our advantage,” added Divij.
In a final, interrupted by rain, the fortunes swung with the weather. Divij and partner led 3-0 before rain intervened.
On resumption, they slipped to 3-4, when it started to rain again heavily. “Play was stopped for an hour. When we got back, the conditions were a lot slower and it was a lot more humid,” said Divij.
The Indo-British pair lost the first set and then was down 2-4 in the second before the tide was turned decisively in its favour.
“We broke back for 3-4, changed our game plan and started taking more chances. We were really aggressive towards the end and that made the difference,” said Divij.
The title was worth 2650 Euros and 90 ATP points.
It has been a struggle for Divij, as he has partnered 14 players in the first half of this season so far.
“It is not easy. You can’t stop playing just because you don’t find an ideal long-term partner,” said Divij.
Quite grateful to his parents, his coach, trainers and physios who ensure his stay in the professional circuit, Divij said that he just loved playing tennis, rather than the results.
“Winning does make a difference, but I try to draw strength from the effort that I put in,” said Divij.
Whenever he gets a chance, Divij plays the singles qualifying event in the Challengers, and beats some good players as well.
“I quite enjoy playing singles. There is no pressure and it also helps me stay sharp in doubles,” said Divij.
