?Missi?ssippi masala with a strong American flavour

"Hardy, tardy, Mahesh Bhupatheee"! A lady in white shouted, when one half of the Indian duo got ready to serve.

There was support from unexpected quarters for Mahesh Bhupathi when he and Paes battled with American heroes Roddick and Fish on court No 4 on Monday morning.

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"Hardy, tardy, Mahesh Bhupatheee"! A lady in white shouted, when Mahesh got ready to serve at 4-2 in the second.

Mahesh looked into the stands and smiled. "Go, Mahesh, go" she went again, joined in chorus by six others sitting amidst American supporters.

That was Helen Brandos — an American married to a Greek Ambassador at large and posted in Athens for five years — and her family rooting for an "old friend".

Helen's daughter Missi, blond and beautiful in a red dress, waved as Mahesh walked away from the court, after a job well done.

Well, that was the "Mississippi masala" - old American friends from college days rooting for an Indian against their countrymen.

Helen is the sister of Billy Chadwick who coached Mahesh when he studied at the University of Mississippi, while her son Michael and daughter Missi were Mahesh's classmates years ago.

"I've not met him in years, but I have come here for him. He is like our own and I want him to win the gold," Helen said before the start of the match.

But what about Roddick?

"Roddick can win other titles. He can take the singles gold. I don't care. The doubles gold should go to Mahesh. He is a terrific player and a great guy. My brother always says he has never trained a finer man. We always follow Mahesh's results on the Internet. His success gives us a lot of pleasure."

Missi joined in the conversation. "I've not met him in a long time either. He was a great guy, slightly laidback, someone you were always comfortable with… very popular on the campus. I always went for all his matches. He was a star," she said almost coyly.

Helen said that her brother Billy had spoken to Mahesh on Sunday night and told him that the Chadwicks and the Brandos would all be there to cheer him.

Yes, they were all there, seven Americans taking pleasure in Roddick's discomfort. After the match Helen and Missi raced into the court to hug Bhupathi.

"I will be there for all his matches...watch out, this Mississippi boy is going to win the gold," Helen said, as she walked out of the court, beaming with pride.

"Hardy, tardy, Mahesh Bhuapthee"! We are sure going to hear that cheer song more on the windy courts in Athens.