For Davis Cup team member Sasi Mukund, happiness does not depend on results

Sasi Kumar Mukund, India's new Davis Cup team member, had an extraordinary childhood and became a graduate at the age of 15 but he is not in a hurry to explode on the tennis circuit.

Mukund was recently named in the Indian team as a reserve member for the World Group Qualifying tie against Italy, scheduled for February 1 and 2 in Kolkata.

Mukund had started the 2018 season outside 400 in ranking and ended it at 295 (number five in India) and was rewarded by the AITA selection committee.

Unlike many youngsters, the 21-year-old Mukund has an uncluttered mind. He knows where his game lies and strongly believes in the philosophy that success is a by-product of hard work, put in right direction.

Realising that he is much sharper than the kids of his age, IAS officer Sasi Kumar withdrew his son Mukund from school after second standard and prepared him to write seventh class examination at the tender age of seven.

Mukund further stunned everyone by clearing the 10th standard examination at age of 10 and went on to get a BBA degree when he was just 15.

"My father took this decision, so that I play freely and don't get pressurised by studies (later). At 6, I was able to understand how solar system works, so he thought I was comfortable enough to read those subjects. He said why not make him write these examinations," Mukund told PTI in an interview.

"It was not an interesting childhood, just tennis and tuition. No friends, no relaxing."
"If I lose, I am on court at 7 in the morning with the coach. No matter that day if I am feeling lazy or not, if it's sunny or rainy. When something stays without a break, it gives results."
So, is he happy with his progress?
"If you give 100 percent, results will come no matter what. I am not saying this by philosophy but by personal experience. I lost 10 Challengers and results actually came when I stopped caring about results. That is what I have learnt at age of 21."
"First I need to be beating guys in 150 consistently. I have to be ready."