Indian Tennis – it’s all about national pride
Right from the time Ghaus Mohammad Khan made the quarter-finals of Wimbledon in 1939; tennis has brought great glory to India. The greatest moment of them all was Leander Paes’ bronze medal effort at the Atlanta Olympics. It was our first individual medal for 44 years and started a great run of 4 consecutive Olympics winning at least one medal.
Indian Tennis has been fortunate to have been served by a great many players who have always put country before self. They have never failed to answer the call of their nation. And not just that -They have always saved their best for the country, playing with their hearts on their sleeves. Therefore, it’s not surprising that most of the great moments in Indian tennis have come in the Davis Cup, the Olympics and in other tournaments where the only prize on offer has been national pride.
Our talent level in the sport has always been good, not great but good. The combination of decent talent and a fierce nationalistic pride among the players has been a wonderful concoction for success. The sport has a fair following in the country and the scene is just getting better. The proliferation of coaching academies and the increase in prize money and corporate involvement in the sport is prompting more parents to encourage their children to take up the sport. More young players are heading to the collegiate tour in the US to fine tune their game. The talent pool in the men’s side had dried up after Leander Paes but now things are looking up with the arrival of Somdev Devvarman.
In terms of Olympic performance, there have been some near misses in addition to Leander’s bronze, most notably the quarter-final efforts of Paes and Bhupathi. In fact the break –up of the ‘Indian Express’ cost India at least one medal. They would have been far better prepared for the Olympics had they stayed together. There were a lot of expectations from Sania but her injuries cost her dearly.
So what is the future Olympic outlook of the sport for India?
The competition has gotten tougher as more top players want to play in the Olympics. But still I would never bet against an Indian winning a medal at any future Olympics. London is 4 years away. While Paes and Bhupathi might not be springy enough then, there is every reason to believe that there will others to take over the mantle. Somdev will be a stud by then and others will rise. There is a large enough talent pool to make sure of that. And more than anything else, playing under the national flag brings out the superman in the Indian tennis player. And who would bet against a super hero.
Seriously, Somdev? he is already 23… these days most guys are at or past their peak by that age. If he is India’s great hope and we have to rely on his patriotism and not much, i don’t think Indian tennis is any better of than it ever was… the best thing i could take out of the post… “London is 4 years away”
Hey Neil, let’s not be so skeptical. If Somdev is able to break into the top 100 or top 50, then it would definitely be an inspiration for many others to take up the sport. That’s what is most important. As for London 2012, our best bet remains the men’s doubles.
He broke into the circuit a bit late. Cant blame the dude. He’s got this typical “Indian” pressure of completing graduation and stuff
Two time US College champ is no joke. I strongly believe that he’ll break into top 100 within this year.
Age is no barrier here. Vijay Amritraj , actually primed post 30. Thats how we indians are “made”
Joe, check the latest article about his performance in the Music Challenger Series. Also, would recommend everyone to see this video.
In tennis, an early entry and early success also leads to early burn-out. SomDev is not a late developer. He has just taken his time before becoming a professional. And he more ready than most players. He is mentally and physically strong. And look at his early performances. He will not spend years grinding away on the futures and challengers. He is ready for the ATP tour.He has been beating top 100 players with ease and regularity. Its only a matter of time before he is in the top 100. You will be hearing more of him very soon. He is already out best singles player since Paes.