It appears to be an irksome issue, the problem with the television at home which doesn’t allow Ronit Bisht to take in the sights and sounds of Melbourne Park during this year’s edition of the Australian Open. But the 13-year-old regroups quickly enough to point out the fact that he’s absolutely up to date with the happenings Down Under.

“I think Federer will win this time, and match Sampras’s record of 14 Slams. But even Nadal is playing really well,” he says. While that issue of tennis superiority may take some time to be mulled over, the Delhi tennis player has decisions much more relevant to his career still pending.

Ronit was the only youngster from Delhi to be chosen for Mission 2018 tennis scholarships at the last selection in Hyderabad, but he still isn’t sure if his presence will figure among the others already at the Mahesh Bhupathi Tennis Academy in Bangalore.

While an opportunity to hone skills at the training centre is one many dream about, Ronit’s father, Rajender Singh Bisht is unsure whether sending his son away would be the right thing to do. “We have all worked so hard to get him where he is, I don’t know if he should go away just yet. He’s young and though I’ve heard that kids who train there benefit a lot, it’s also true that getting individual attention is difficult, since there are so many students,” says Bisht, speaking to Sportline.

Ronit is currently the No 1 player in the under-14 rankings in India, and while he may have reached the top on that count, the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) junior circuit is a different ball-game altogether.

True test
Competing with quality players from all over the world is the true test of a player’s credentials, and is the first acid test if one wishes to progress. The Mission 2018 programme will aid towards that end, apart from costing no money to the family, which is a problem Ronit and his elder brother Rohit have been facing since they first began playing.

“That is a big benefit, but right now I’m waiting and hoping for a sponsor to come forward. If Ronit does get a sponsor, I won’t be sending him to Bangalore,” says Bisht.

Ronit, who trains at the Siri Fort Sports Complex under coach Aditya Sachdeva, is happy to go along with what his father decides, but agrees that it would be better to take the trip down south in April.