The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : All set for the sky with a tennis scholarship

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 17, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

All set for the sky with a tennis scholarship

Kalyan Ashok

BANGALORE: BANGALORE: Iciri Rai never stops smiling these days. She has every reason to feel high and the 19-year-old tennis star from Banglore is all set to aim for the sky with a tennis scholarship from the University of South Flordia. Iciri is to move to the U.S next week, to pursue her tennis career and under graduate studies. Playing in the NCAA circuit, the US collegiate tour, should help her garner enough points and make her eligible to play as a wild card in the Women's Tennis Association, women's world professional events. What's more, the former US star, Gigi Ferandez is the coach of the South Florida University, and her presence should help Iciri.

At 5 ft 10 inches tall, Iciri is one of the promising youngsters in the country, who had some impressive outings in the National and ITF tournaments. However, tennis being a professional game, demands a lot of time and money. Her parents, Ajith and Roshan, were able to sustain her effort to a point, before they felt the pinch. She almost had to think of quitting the game when help came from the blue. The former Chief Minister of Karnataka S.M. Krishna, an avid tennis enthusiast, who is also the president of the Karnataka State Tennis Association, watched Iciri play at the Bangalore Club. Mr. Krishna was impressed by the youngster and offered to find her help. The funds came in, and in July, Iciri went to San Merino for a stint of training with the noted Australian coach, Bob Brett, who once trained the legendary Boris Becker, and more recently, coached Saina Mirza.

The five-week stint at Brett's academy was a fruitful experience for Iciri. " Under Bob Brett, I was able to sharpen my strokes and I was hitting the ball harder and improved my volleying. I feel fitter and move faster," says Iciri.

"It is rewarding in every way and I hope to train with Bob Brett later this year," says Iciri.

Bob Brett sees no limitations for the youngster. " She is very talented though she may not be in Sania's class right now.

To play at the highest level, she has to develop her strength and coordination and that should come with lot of exposure," says the coach. Iciri is willing to work to achieve those attributes. "I am targeting the Women's Tennis Association, I know what it takes to get there and will work for it," she says.

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