Mukherjee gets US Open, Bejing Olympics offers

Despite the high-profile honours, umpire Mukherjee however is more focused on picking up the highest badge for an international umpire, the bronze badge. He currently holds the white badge.

Getting assigned for the prestigious Australian Open early this year, Mukherjee had a month’s stint in New Zealand from February 5 to March 5 for the ITF Pro-Circuit in which he officiated in most of the matches as a chair umpire, including in the doubles’ final.

And then having officiated in matches in the ATP Challengers in New Delhi last week, Mukherjee now sets his eyes on the coveted assignment at the Bejing Olympics. Nitin Karnamkar from Mumbai will also be umpiring alongside him in the Olympics.

Again, for the forthcoming US Open, starting August 19 this year, Mukherjee has been chosen as the only umire from India. Speaking to The Indian Express, Mukherjee said: “If I had an offer from French Open, then it would have been the ‘golden Grand Slam’ for me. But my aim is to earn the bronze badge that will benefit me to officiate in matches as a chair umpire even in Grand Slams. Still, I am happy that the US Open association has given me a gradation of L-3 which is the second best grade for umpires just below the top ones in world tennis.”

Incidentally, Mukherjee who has also been promoted to the position of development officer in the Bengal Tennis Association (BTA), isn’t too hopeful over the financial earnings from the US Open. In fact, he says he is quite satisfied with his earnings from the umpiring job in the Australian Open and the recently-concluded ITF Pro-Circuit.