Manas Dhamne Secures ITF M15 Zahra Title in All-Piatti Academy Final
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Indian tennis sensation Manas Dhamne emerged victorious at the ITF M15 Zahra tournament in Kuwait. The top-seeded player faced off against Rocco Piatti, son of his coach Riccardo Piatti, in an all-Piatti Academy final. Dhamne dominated the match, securing a straight-sets win with scores of 7-5, 6-3. This triumph marks his first title of the year and his third since turning professional in 2023, showcasing his rapid ascent in the competitive tennis world.
Perfect Preparation for ATP Challenger Events
Fresh off his victory in Kuwait, Dhamne shifted focus to the ATP 50 Chennai Challenger, which commenced on Monday. His performance in the ITF event served as ideal preparation, as he entered the higher-tier ATP Challenger having dropped only one set throughout the week. However, the transition proved challenging. In the singles draw, he fell to fourth seed Ilia Simakin with scores of 3-6, 2-6. In doubles, partnering with Atharva Sharma, he faced a tough loss at 3-6, 6-2, 8-10. Despite these setbacks, the 18-year-old remains undeterred, emphasizing a philosophy of steady progress over immediate results.
Embracing a Slow-but-Steady Climb in Professional Tennis
Dhamne's approach to his career is rooted in patience and continuous improvement. When asked about comparisons to peers like 19-year-old Joao Fonseca, who garners significant attention, he highlighted the value of his team's experience. "I am working on my own progress. The progress is more important than the results. If the progress is good the results will come. If the results will come the ranking will come. It’s as simple as that," he explained to TimesofIndia.com. This mindset reflects his commitment to a long-term vision, focusing on incremental gains rather than fleeting successes.
Training at the Prestigious Piatti Tennis Center
Based in Bordighera, Italy, Dhamne trains at the renowned Piatti Tennis Center, an academy launched in 2018 by coach Riccardo Piatti. This facility has produced elite players such as Jannik Sinner, Borna Coric, and Ana Bogdan. Piatti's coaching pedigree includes working with tennis legends like former World No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, and ex-World No. 9 Richard Gasquet. Dhamne aspires to join this illustrious list but remains grounded, crediting his team for their professional guidance in coaching, physical training, mental conditioning, and nutrition.
Navigating the Transition to Professional Tennis
For many young athletes, the decision to turn professional is a delicate balance. Dhamne made this leap in 2023, debuting on the ATP Tour at the Tata Open Maharashtra as a wildcard. Although he lost that match, he made history as the first player born in 2007 to compete in a main draw match on the men's tennis tour. Now, at 18 years old and ranked World No. 486, he is the second youngest player in the ATP top-500 rankings, trailing only Germany's Diego Dedura. His journey underscores the challenges of the Pro Tour, where players are mentally resilient and physically fit.
Learning from the Best and Staying Motivated
Dhamne's training environment provides unique opportunities to learn from top-tier players. "I have been very lucky to be based at Piatti Academy. Because I am there I have already hit with players like Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Grigor Dimitrov," he shared. These experiences expose him to the incredible level of play required at the highest echelons of tennis. He acknowledges the toughness of the Pro Tour, where competitors never give up, and emphasizes his daily efforts to match their standards. With a supportive team from IMG management and the Piatti Academy, Dhamne is poised for a promising future, focusing on new experiences and continuous growth in his career.
