Upbeat Jeevan working to go to the next level

Targets getting back to Grand Slams by Wimbledon next year

Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan is understandably upbeat after winning back to back Challenger titles on European clay last fortnight with Sriram Balaji. Yet, he has set a realistic target of getting back to the Grand Slams by Wimbledon next year.

In the capital, on a stop over before flying to Colombia for two more Challengers, Jeevan put things in perspective.

‘’We didn’t have any expectations. We are putting in the work. Water your plant, and see what happens,’’ said Jeevan, quite clear about not being anxious for good results.

The preparation for the Challenger titles was two weeks of television commentary from the studio in Mumbai for the Roland Garros, especially in Tamil.

‘’It was not a vacation. I had good training during those 14 days, with Navdeep (Singh), Vishnu (Vardhan). I had done a public speaking course in college and also one on the ATP, so I enjoyed the commentary. Somdev (Devvarman) was on a different level. He is so well prepared and very professional,’’ said Jeevan.

He is delighted with the bonding with Balaji, and recalled the pleasant experience of having Indian dinner every day for a week in France, on way to the second Challenger title, as the hotel was owned by an Indian.

‘’Trust is very crucial in doubles. Balaji and I have mutual respect. We are not in any hurry to get back to the highest level. We want to do the work. We know that we can go deep, as and when we get to the Grand Slams.