Summer Slam Weekend

Tennis enthusiast Fiona Fernandez took her first lessons as part of a unique sporting weekend holiday in a secluded forest in Thane, only to discover that clay court play is a different ball game altogether

By the end of my 90-minute tennis session in 34 degree Celsius heat (treadmill workouts in the Sahara might come close), my visions of Grand Slam glory at Roland Garros, after a win over Serena Williams, had all but been buried under the sun-soaked clay court.u00a0 A few hours prior to this on-court whitewash, I was on my way to a sporting weekend, a popular European concept, yet to bloom in India. Visualise this: A clay court that meets international standards, personalised sessions, guaranteed solitude amid 37 acres of forest, gift-wrapped into a getaway. That's what you sign up for at Nature Trails' Tennis Weekend Holidays in Sajan.



GAME PLAN
Ranjit Kelkar, founder of tennisholidays.org, says his passion turned into a parallel profession. "I loved tennis since I was in college but couldn't afford lessons. When I was in a position to do so, I learnt the game from an NIS-certified coach and decided to teach others," reveals the enterprising accountant. Keen on taking the fully loaded live experience to enthusiasts, he scouted for locales around Mumbai. Matheran was his first choice, where he identified the ideal spot to realise his dream. "Procuring the site took longer than expected, so I looked elsewhere." That's when a friend, Chinmay Divekar (Director, Nature Trails), suggested he set up a tennis court within one of their properties, in Sajan. "We were pals, so it was simple; the infrastructure was ready."u00a0

SETTING SHOP
Clay courts are ideal for India as they are low on cost and maintenance. Building a tennis court is a science. The clay quality, layering, settling down of components, adds up to the longevity and standard. To date, he and his team have trained over 100 aspirants, from school kids to corporates.u00a0

MATCH POINT
It was almost 10 am. We entered a thickly forested area that would've pleased Tarzan and his ilk. The resort is a naturalists' haven -- from horticulture projects, greenhouses and accommodation that blends with the landscape to a biomass project and cattle adding to the rustic set-up.

After a hearty breakfast in an idyllic open-air dorm (idlis, poha, sandwiches, tea/coffee) I was ready for my first tennis lesson. Ranjit and I stepped on court and he handed me a racket. I heard myself yell a silent shriek of joy as I checked it for any string tension, courtesy years of TV-side tennis viewing. Some 25 neon yellow tennis balls were waiting to be hit. The first 30 minutes were fun, the nervous energy vanished, with simple ball play as I eased my shoulders and got a grip of the surface, which wasn't as slow as I'd imagined. The bounce was surprisingly high too.

After a run down of the elementary serves and returns, I was allowed to revise my shots. I gleefully cut lose, like a kid in a candy shop. It dawned that tennis centred on a seven-letter word -- control. From service, to returns, to cross-court rallies, to smashing an ace, this attribute anchors the game. "Let's practice the serve," Ranjit upped the ante. Visions of serve and volley guru Stefan Edberg surfaced. After watching Ranjit's stance, handgrip and body suitably balanced to hit the serve, a few times, I gathered the courage to try out my serve. Forget about a clean action, I didn't come anywhere close to even connecting ball with racket. Twice. By the tenth try, I succeeded.

Buoyed by my progress, I requested Ranjit to hit a few balls from the other end. My 4 feet 11 inch frame wasn't ready for what followed. There I was, starring in my own slapstick flick; reminiscent of Jerry scampering to all corners of the court, as Tom's barrage of tennis balls from the other end made for cheap thrills. Beyond the 10-ft high security nets, my bovine audience was unperturbed with the odd skier that disturbed their grazing session. As balls whizzed past my desperate self, I shuffled from a single handed to a safer, double-handed grip, hoping to connect. I did, eventually and a smooth backhanded drop volley it was. By now, Tushar had his share ofu00a0 chuckles, and cheered from the sidelines that I was better set for a slog in a T20 game.u00a0

Ranjit patiently allowed me to regain my confidence (and breath) as the session proved an ideal eye-opener for a beginner. Convinced that I had picked up more than a few pointers, we called it a wrap. After a spot of green tea, Ranjit introduced me to other elements of the program, like a tennis gaming experience on Sony Playsation2. Add-ons include viewing videos of classic matches as well as foot and rejuvenating massages.u00a0

ESCAPE TO LOUNGE COUNTY
Walking back, we were greeted by Chinmay's father HK Divekar, founder of Nature Trails. This engineer and ex-treasurer at BNHS started this venture in 1983. A guided tour revealed guests lazing in hammocks, purposefully walking around the expanse or lost in meditation. Trees carry informative nameplates, lotus ponds, and picturesque tree and cocoon houses share space with tents. A make-believe water body for river crossing looked inviting. "We organise kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, boating and mountain biking nearby," adds Divekar Sr, enquiring with his kitchen staff about the day's specials. By now, lunch was served. An elaborate spread of dals, Methi Paneer, Aloo Sabzi and Papad was wolfed down, expectedly. Post-lunch, we strolled around the green reserve.

Never mind my by now-bruised tryst with Grand Slam glory, this sporting encounter with nature made for a great escape; the real thing won hands down, easily.

WHY CLAY SUITS BEGINNERS
Clay is relatively smooth so it's less prone to causing injury if you slide across the surface. The bounce is manageable and you don't suffer from falls like you would on grass. Playing on concrete or hard court surfaces can be dangerous, particularly when you dive or hit the ground.

To sign up for a Tennis Holiday
Log on to: www.tennisholidays.org or www.naturetrails.in