Satwiksairaj hails doubles coach Boe, terms Indonesia triumph ‘one of the biggest achievements’

“It is now three vs two when we take on the opponents as Mathias Boe (doubles specialist coach) is omnipresent when we take on the best,” said R. Satwiksairaj, fresh from a historic men’s doubles victory, partnering Chirag Shetty, in the Indonesia Open last Sunday.

“It is now three vs two when we take on the opponents as Mathias Boe (doubles specialist coach) is omnipresent when we take on the best,” said R. Satwiksairaj, fresh from a historic men’s doubles victory, partnering Chirag Shetty, in the Indonesia Open last Sunday.

In an exclusive chat with The Hindu on returning home on Tuesday, the 23-year-old Satwik said that Boe has learnt a couple of Hindi words too like Peechey, peechey khelo (play back) and had been a truly inspirational presence.

“Though we enter the court with a clear strategy, there are moments during the match when Boe chips in with invaluable advice — like during a serve whether to go for the flick or the backhand. His emphasis on reminding us the ‘key points’ during a contest have had a telling effect,” Satwik said.

“He always tells us never to lose a match easily and give more than 100 per cent We have to work like a computer, figuring out a solution for every crisis in double quick time. There will be moments where we have to be good with our instincts,” he said.

“Boe joined us at the right time two years ago and ever since there has been a lot of change in our mindset, approach, and attitude. We are far more confident, definitely not complacent, and very clear in our task.

“The Indonesian doubles triumph is one of the biggest achievements of our life. Boe kept telling us that only legends have been winning this prestigious title. That way, it gave us great satisfaction,” Satwik said.

“The preparations were different for the Indonesian Open. We played as if there was nothing to lose as we realised that every combination is on the same page. All we needed was to stay focussed.