Indian tennis is enjoying a wonderful run with three strong performances underlining the quality of their young players.
First it was the refreshingly energetic Somdev Devvarman who raced to the final of the Chennai Open, raising big hopes for India with their stalwarts Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes into their mid 30s.
Then 16-year-old Yuki Bhambri belied his lean frame but underlined his top ranking to claim the Australian Open boys’ singles title.
The Delhi boy is aiming to move on to the men’s circuit at the earliest, showing the understanding that the professional tour is where one needs to establish oneself.
Sania Mirza then claimed her first senior grand slam title, winning the mixed doubles with Mahesh Bhupathi, which gave him his 11th grand slam title win.
For Mirza, the title will be really sweet, coming as she is after a frustrating period due to a wrist injury.
The performances by the trio shows the potential Indian tennis has as it looks into the future.
But is India capable of building a strong line-up and then a steady stream of players who can back up the main national stars?
Trackback
7 comments so far
[...] Indian tennis — flash in the pan or pointer to future? Reuters ,February 01, 2009 Indian tennis is enjoying a wonderful run with three strong performances underlining the quality of their young players. First it was the refreshingly … [...]
- Posted by Photo Flash: DEAR EDWINA Celebrates 100th Performance | Digg PhotoBlogThe starting point is all fine, but the development lies in the master plan which has to be devised for a long run. The performance comes only is bits and peices.
- Posted by E.VenkatrajMore Sponsorship has to come for their training and plans must be in plce for their recovery if they are injured.
More foreign coaches have to be appointed for this smooth trancitions.
Best of luck for their forthcoming matches
I am skeptical about bright future as there have been previous instances where we have won the junior titles but couldn’t cash on it in future…there is lack in funding,coaching,moral,career,apt doctors and what not..and above all …there is a obvious lack faith in people for sports other than cricket which is really sad… though i wish from the bottom of my heart that all three of them succeed !
- Posted by Radhika GanesanI wish all of the all the best so that people start seeing sports beyond cricket and start respecting many sports men who deserve to be honored (but weren’t)!
How can u not know that few families own tennis in india?How can u expect a new guy to come in and start playing for India. Whatever happened to Zeeshan ali, Bopanna, and all. Cant believe we have one guy playing Davis cup for us in last 10 years.. only country in all tennis playing nations to do that.. is it bc he is the best ??
- Posted by CPIndian tennis players require good training/equipments/coaches with international standards!
This is never possible!
Unfortunately, few players are doing well don’t know how long they will do!
In India, sports is not a career, it is a part time job there are few exceptions like Sachin … Vishy
All sports needs equal attention - cricket is not the only game!
- Posted by RajThis is a momemnt of celebration for all of us in India. We should come together and applaud the win, instead og being so critical about it friends
- Posted by PrateekThe success of the Indian players in recent events, including the Australian Open is refreshing.
- Posted by John WoolcockFrom the comments before me, it appears that there are similar issues in India as there are in Australia regarding development of talent.