This is Sania’s coach, he turns grit into glory

Not much is known about John B Farrington but this one fact is: He makes winners out of fighters. Which is a pretty handy point on your CV if you’re appointed Sania Mirza’s travelling coach.

Farrington, who was handpicked by Mahesh Bhupathi for this job, took on fellow Bahamian Mark Knowles, known for his grit and guts, and groomed him from an average player to one half of the world’s top doubles pair (with Canadian Daniel Nestor) in 2003. Though the association between Farrington and Sania would be just two months — till the US Open in September — there is every chance of it being extended if it clicks, says Krishna Bhupathi, Mahesh’s father and Sania’s sometime coach. ‘‘After all Farrington’s role is kind of experimental because it all depends of the player-coach compatibility.’’ The North Carolina-based coach is believed to have been chosen for his vast exposure to the sport, which includes being part of a junior development programme in Bahamas. He played for the Bahamas for six years (1989-1996) and captain for five years.

As Krishna puts it, ‘‘he’s got experience because he’s gone into coaching after playing tennis at the highest levels.’’ Also, he adds, ‘‘he’s based in the US, which lowers travel costs’’. His other main advantage, says Sania’s father Imran, is his relative youth. ‘‘He’s young, which solves one major aspect of finding hitting partners on tour’’.

With Farrington roped in, what happens to Sania’s occasional visits to Bob Brett’s academy? ‘‘Brett’s academy will always remain Sania’s base’’, says Bhupathi sr. ‘‘In fact both Brett and Farrington would work in tandem.’’

He says when the talk of sending Sania for advanced coaching arose, the unanimous choice was Nick Bolletieri’s academy. But eventually they realised the need for a travelling coach. ‘‘It was essential. After a point you need tactical analysis and someone full time to keep analysing flaws, strategy.’’