On a sometimes sizzling and humid day in Chennai, there was an intense battle on the surface courts of the SDAT Tennis Stadium in the course of the Chennai Open ATP Challenger 100 occasion. It was not simply one other qualifying spherical match contemplating the protagonists’ nationalities.
In a carefully fought contest, Russian Alibek Kachmazov prevailed over Ukraine’s Vladyslav Orlov in straight units 6-4, 7-6(4) to achieve the principle draw.
Though not many phrases have been exchanged, the stress was palpable contemplating the present geo-political local weather following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine final 12 months. To illustrate, the 2 gamers didn’t even have the customary post-match handshake on the nets.
Russia’s Alibek Kachmazov in motion.
| Photo Credit: R Ragu/The Hindu
Despite the loss, being on the tennis court docket itself is an enormous deal for the Ukrainian participant.
Hailing from Kharkiv, a metropolis near the Russian border, Orlov’s home was broken within the strikes final 12 months. The 27-year-old stated he was fortunate to have left the nation only a week earlier than the battle. Since then, he has managed to discover a base in Germany and journey worldwide to play tennis.
When requested if he felt any additional stress to do properly, contemplating his opponent was Russian, Orlov performed it down, saying he targeted on the ball greater than the participant.
But prod him additional on the situations again residence, and if he might see a Russian participant as distinct from his authorities, Orlov didn’t maintain again.
“I don’t care. I mean, I cannot do anything. If it were up to me, of course, I would then ban these guys because it is not normal. I don’t have a house now, why? I’m playing against a guy sponsored by some companies supporting the war. I don’t know, that’s not fair for me, but I cannot influence this. So, my job is to go and play,” stated Orlov.
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“It’s a disaster actually (conditions back home). The Russians have been bombing our cities, killing our people every day. Sometimes, people don’t have electricity for up to 16 hours a day, and it’s pretty cold in Ukraine right now, with temperatures going to minus 15 to 20. So, it’s pretty cold, dark and dangerous. It’s a question of survival.”
“I think all the Russian and Belarusian players should be banned until their countries stop invading other countries. In the 21st century, you cannot invade other countries, kill people or destroy houses and kindergartens,” he added.
After his household moved from the japanese to the western a part of Ukraine, Orlov discovered some essential assist from his mom, Olena Ludina, who has not too long ago been travelling with him as his coach. It has made a distinction to his fortunes on the court docket, as he managed to win a number of tournaments final 12 months.
Ludina is a health care provider and was as soon as an under-16 Table Tennis champion within the erstwhile USSR. Speaking on Monday, Ludina stated, “We try to support each other. Otherwise, it will be problematic. When I first went with him to a tournament in Croatia, he won (25K ITF World Tour). Before that, he lost a lot and didn’t eat, sleep or practice.”
Recently he was a part of Ukraine’s Davis Cup group and gained the primary match towards Lebanon and spoke about how good it was to be amongst his compatriots.
“It was good to see my teammates in the Davis Cup. We found the right spirit. We won (3-1); I won the first match. It was a good moment during these tough times. It was good to support the guys. We put all the money together and sent it back to Ukraine to the army. I’m doing my best to help.”
Ranked 387 on this planet, it’s a robust life on the street for Orlov as he has minimal monetary backing and just some gear sponsors. While two different well-known Ukrainian tennis gamers, Alexandr Dolgopolov and Sergiy Stakhovsky, have joined the military and fought on the frontlines, Orlov is making an attempt to symbolize his nation on the tennis courts.
“I don’t know him (Alexandr Dolgopolov) personally, but I know Sergiy Stakhovsky. We are in touch; we talk with each other. He’s there, helping Ukrainians. He has been to the frontline, bringing ammunition and food, fighting in the border area, and helping people. (I have) So much respect for him.”
On the challenges of taking part in tennis together with his nation in turmoil, Orlov stated, “The first three to four months, it was very tough to play. After that, I just told myself to keep going.”
“Tennis helps me take my mind away from it, and I am more motivated to do well now. The army is fighting in tough conditions, so I must do the same here, whether it is hot or humid and win. It did not happen today, but I will try next week.”
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com