“The balls are flying in Bengaluru but I am used to the conditions now” – Manas Dhamne

Indian Tennis Prodigy Manas Dhamne is in Bengaluru to play the ATP 125 Bengaluru Challenger. Indian Tennis Daily had an opportunity to speak to him on his progress so far.

Deepthi Indukuri: You recently played against the number one seed in Pune. From your perspective, how did that match go?

Manas Dhamne: I think it was a good match, a positive match. There were a lot of things to learn from. But I was just happy, not happy about the result, of course. But I was happy in a way with how I played. I could have done some things better, for sure. I can always do things better, I can improve. But I think it was a good experience and yeah, just happy.

Deepthi Indukuri: Can you be a bit more specific? What aspects of your performance were good, and what were the key learnings you took away from that match?

Manas Dhamne: He was more mature than me in handling the crucial moments. I was a bit stupid in how I played those moments. Not always, but in some moments that could have changed the match, and actually did.

Deepthi Indukuri: You’ve been practicing in Bangalore for the last 3 days. How are you finding the playing conditions here?

Manas Dhamne: It’s fast. With the new balls, it’s faster. I think during the day when the sun is out, it’s more faster. Probably after the sun goes down, it’s a bit more slower, but still fast. I’m playing good. I played really good in practice these days and I’m adapted to the conditions.

Deepthi Indukuri: Do you feel the altitude here?

Manas Dhamne: I feel the balls are flying. I’m three days in and I practice again tomorrow, so… And I’m playing also very good in the practice. So I feel I’m used to it.

Deepthi Indukuri: You have a 23-5 win-loss record this year and won your maiden pro title in Tunisia. What do you think has improved in your game this year, specifically?

Manas Dhamne: My physical part improved in the off-season. Also the tennis, I’m coming more to the net. But I think I feel more the mental part than all of the things, because last year in a lot of matches I was not able to play my tennis because I was playing with some pressure. But this year, I’m playing more freely in matches and yeah, so it helped me.

Deepthi Indukuri: Are you working with a mental fitness coach?

Manas Dhamne: Yes, I’m working and yes, it’s better.

Deepthi Indukuri: How long have you been working with this person?

Manas Dhamne: Three, four months.

Deepthi Indukuri: It’s been working?

Manas Dhamne: Yes, yes.

Deepthi Indukuri: And with this run, you have also qualified into the Junior Grand Slams via the ATP ranking. Are you planning to play in them?

Manas Dhamne: Not yet. I’m 760 something. I have to be 750 almost.

Deepthi Indukuri: But if you get through, are you considering playing them or…?

Manas Dhamne: I think I’ll play Paris.

Deepthi Indukuri: Not the others?

Manas Dhamne: I’m not sure yet. I have to talk to the team. We didn’t think about it so far yet.

Deepthi Indukuri: Okay, one at a time.

Manas Dhamne: One at a time. Yes. First, this tournament only.

Deepthi Indukuri: Okay. What are your goals for 2025?

Manas Dhamne: Usually, players set goals for themselves, but I don’t for myself. I mean, because then I think I have to do this, do that. So I just… Main goal is to just improve every day and yeah, I just think about that.