My name will be on the winner’s board at Wimbledon for eternity: Samir Banerjee

Indian American tennis player Samir Banerjee with the Junior Wimbledon trophy. Image: Instagram

Debasis Sen: Indian American tennis player Samir Banerjee recently created history by winning the Junior Wimbledon title, defeating compatriot Victor Lilov in straight sets in the final. Samir became the first American in 6 years to win the junior Wimbledon championships and also the first Indian to do so since Yuki Bhambri won it 12 years back. Samir, who is a huge Novak Djokovic fan, shared his thoughts about winning the coveted title, journey so far, contributions of his dad, future ahead, Leander Paes and more over whatsapp message from New Jersey. Here are the excerpts:

How do you describe this win? Have it sort of sunk in?

Samir: The win was unexpected. I went in with a goal of winning one round as I had lost in the first round at the French Open. After I won my first round match in three sets against the 12th seed. I gained some confidence for the next round. From there I just played every round as best as I could. The significance of this win hasn’t fully sunk in. I am still the same person but I do realize my name will be on the winner’s board at Wimbledon for eternity.

What was the reaction of your parents specially your dad since he could not travel to UK? How did the family celebrate the win?

Samir: They were very happy for me and grateful to God for the way I performed. The celebration was low key but we will plan on doing something to memorialize this win!

Can you please share the huge role played by your dad and uncle in taking up tennis?

Samir: My dad and uncle both played tennis growing up in India. They continued that in the US. It was by accompanying my dad to his weekend tennis with friends that I got interested in the sport. I was about six then. My dad would feed me balls to hit and people said I had good hand eye coordination and should pursue tennis seriously

How did you take up tennis? Can you talk us about your early days?

Samir: I played baseball and soccer along with tennis in the early days. But I soon came to realize my future lay in an individual sport because I like to take full responsibility for my wins and losses. I like the pressure and challenges that come with being alone out there

Your dad has stressed on the importance of academics. How challenging will it be to carry forward the pressure of your studies and at the same time playing tennis?

Samir: Academics is important to all Indian families and ours is no exception. My plan is to play college tennis and hopefully get to the Pros. The only thing that could change that if I have immediate success in the lower level pro events I plan on playing. So as of now the college route is still the one most likely

Your experience at the junior French Open was not that great, crashing out in first round. So what were you thinking when you headed into the Wimbledon?

Samir: As a result of my French Open defeat, I had modest expectations heading into Wimbledon. These slams are full of amazing players so one has to approach them with humility.

Can you share your thoughts on your India connect?

Samir: Although I am American, I do have fond memories of my trips to India. We have relatives in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Indore whom we visit on most trips. But we have also traveled to Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. I like the food and the malls there are similar to the best we have here in the US

Talking about inspiration, Novak Djokovic is someone you always look upto. What are the qualities of Djokovic that you like the most both in respect of his tennis and personal life?

Samir: Yes Djokovic is the player I most identify with because he has a complete game and amazing mental strength. It’s usually very difficult to beat him in a five setter. That means he raises his level when it’s needed the most. Off the court he has a friendly personality and is a good pianist too!

Leander Paes too won junior Wimbledon title in 1990. Did you ever get an opportunity to meet him as he is regarded as a legend in Indian tennis?

Samir: I haven’t met Leander directly but he was with the Indian Davis Cup team practicing at the RK Khanna tennis complex in Delhi while I was playing a Grade 4 ITF there a couple of years ago. He is a legend and has done a lot for the sport in India and also internationally. He was also the last Indian to win the junior Wimbledon titled. I am hired that my name will now appear on that very same list

There will be more pressure and challenges ahead in the professional circuit. How are you looking forward to it and making a successful career ahead?

Samir: Yes winning always brings with it added pressure. I would like to continue setting modest goals that I can achieve. I will gradually transition to the professional tour and see how it goes. I understand it’s difficult but my success at Wimbledon has given me the confidence to at least give it a shot. I don’t want to have any regrets!