Harshana Godamanna: a name synonymous with Sri Lankan tennis and whatever supremacy it has had through the last two decades. 

“Godda” won five National Men’s Singles Championships during this time. Only three had a better record in the annual tournament through its over-a century-old history: E. De Fonblanque (10 titles during 1886-1897), Lisboa Pinto (7 titles during 1920-1932), and Arjun Fernando (6 titles during 1977-1988) had dominated the event before him. 

In the meantime, Godamanna recorded the second-highest international men’s world rank – 811 in October 2008 – for a Sri Lankan. Only Arjuna Fernando had a better Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world rank: 292 in December 1979.

Yet the 37-year-old Godamanna’s contribution towards Sri Lanka’s tennis in common came in two key areas. 

Firstly, his long career in the Davis Cup, where he helped the country achieve unprecedented heights in this ‘annual international world cup of men’s tennis’. There he maintained the all-time best win-loss record (78-28) for Sri Lanka, representing the country in a record 58 ties during 2002-2022.

Secondly, comes his impact on the local game. The southpaw’s stylish and attractive – and extremely aggressive – style of play would have inspired a couple of generations in Sri Lanka.

Excerpts of the interview follow:

After finishing a long career for Sri Lanka, what are you doing at the moment?

I am coaching tennis full time at the Sportsmen’s Tennis and Enrichment Center in Boston, USA. I have worked here for over eight years and I can’t be more thankful to be a part of the organisation.

When you look back and see the Davis Cup, how do you assess your performance, your contribution towards Sri Lanka, and your highs and lows in the tournament?

First, I am very happy to be able to play for a long time without having any injuries. I did everything I could to prepare well for the Davis Cup since I was playing for Sri Lanka. I believe that I gave my all when playing for the country. Of course, I had tough losses along the way, but it also made me a better player as time passed by. 

I have no regrets. I absolutely enjoyed playing for Sri Lanka. I enjoyed the pressure and the expectation of playing for the country. This motivated me to do well every time I stepped on the court. I have had very emotional moments throughout my career, but nothing like walking on court when playing at home in front of your family and friends. I was fortunate to have a great time with them being behind me supporting and encouraging me along the way. I am very thankful for that.

Could you expand on the challenging time in Thailand about 15 years ago, staying there alone, struggling to make a breakthrough in the world men’s pro circuit?

It was challenging to motivate myself every day to go out there with a goal of improving. I always saw the glamorous side of the tour on TV, but it was only when I started living through it myself that I realised what a lonely and challenging road it was. However, I learnt a lot of ‘life lessons’ along the way. 

Those transformative years did make a huge impact in my life as a tennis player and now a coach. I don’t think I would have been a coach today if I didn’t have that experience. It was well worth it. If I could, I would do it all over again and do it better! 

Could you tell us about the challenges you faced in the USA as a student and a player?

When I came to the USA, I was not looking to play tennis. I was ready to quit the game and pursue my education. I didn’t really think much of tennis in the first few months when I got here. 

However, I got back into tennis very soon. I got to become the assistant coach for the college team which was a great experience for me to kickstart my coaching career.  I had to balance my time in college as well as help the team. I really enjoyed it. Then right after graduating, I started coaching full time. It was challenging at the beginning, but I am happy it all happened this way.

Whom did you emulate and whom do you wish to thank or acknowledge? 

My parents taught me a lot. They lived by example. I have learnt a lot of values from them and those values have greatly helped me with my tennis. I want to thank my parents, my siblings, and my wife.

I started tennis because of my brother and he has always been a great support ever since I started. Also, my coaches Sylvester Francis and Dominik Utzinger – if not for the two of them, I don’t know where I would have been today. I have learnt a lot from them. I feel very lucky to have met them and learn from them. It was such a fun journey. 

Finally, a big thank you to United Sports for providing me with all the Wilson equipment for over 15 years.