I never saw this legend's play, but My dad has admired him so much decided to name myself, his eldest son " Mashil Lal", though we hail from South India.
As handsome as his tennis itself, Premjit Lall was a youth icon. While Krishnan and Mukherjea were better players, Lall was the one to bring spectators to the courtside. His match against Laver, and the long tie-break against Borg, his doubles play with Mukherjea were Indian sports highlights of those times. When Lall and Mukherjea had Connors and partner running all over the court in a last 16 round in 1974, the young Connors paid the ultimate tribute --' the oldies had us gasping" Lall was a gentleman player who played his tennis with passion and pleasure. I saw him play with Koji Watanabe of Japan in Hyderabad and still remember the handsome man and awesome play.His matches with Alex Metereveli were outstanding. May Lall be remembered in the Indian sports Hall of Fame forever. The Indian Tennis bosses will do well to start a tournament for upcoming players in Lall's name.The winner should be attached to the Davis cup team for two years to gain practice and experience. Subbarayudu, G.K.
