Bringing tennis to our communities

It’s that time of year when tennis peaks- Wimbledon is in its second week! A feast for tennis fans across the world. According to Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data, and analytics, there are 641 million tennis fans worldwide. The ITF Global Tennis Report states that there are 87 million players worldwide. Arguably, it is one of the world’s top five most popular sports. Football, Basketball, and Athletics also make it to the top five list.

Wimbledon is an iconic sporting event; over half a million visitors flocked to the grounds of SW19 in 2023, while more than three hundred million people watched the Championships on television, online platforms, or OTT services. The Indian representation at this event, which has a history dating back to the 1870s, has been low but consistent. Starting from the 1960s, Ramanathan Krishnan, Jaidip Mukerjea, Premjit Lal, and in the 1980s, Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan were some of the few Indians to make a mark in this iconic event during the modern era. Ramanathan Krishnan reached the semi-finals, while Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan reached the quarter-finals. Sania Mirza, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi were among the last athletes to show great promise in recent years. Leander won 18 Grand Slam doubles titles, which included 4 Mixed doubles and 1 Men’s Doubles Wimbledon titles. He is also the second Indian to win the Junior Wimbledon title, following Ramesh Krishnan, who was the first to do so. Sania Mirza has six Grand Slams to her credit, including the Wimbledon Women’s Doubles title in 2015.

The success of athletes at professional events like these impacts the popularity of the game, which in turn helps promote the game at the grassroots level.  Having top-ranked players through generations makes a big difference in growing the game at the grassroots level. For grassroots tennis coaches working at schools and neighbourhood clubs, promoting the game to young children and parents, the presence of international icons validates statements like ‘Your child can become like Sania one day.’

A quick check on the ATP and WTA tour rankings reveals that we have our work cut out for us. With no male or female player in the top 100 singles ranking, six in the top 100 doubles men’s ranking, and no woman in the top 100 doubles ranking, it may seem tennis is not a popular game in India. Surprisingly, at 41 million, India has the 3rd highest number of tennis fans worldwide. This, according to the sponsorship pitch document of India’s 250 ATP Event, The Tata Open. Although tennis is expensive, it remains one of the most popular sports in India, with people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds participating. People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in the game by being associated with it as ballboys, hitters, or markers, as they are commonly referred to in most clubs. Ballboys hope to graduate to hitters and markers, and markers hope to maintain their steady jobs with the clubs they are employed with. In some cases, the offspring of ballboys, hitters, and markers follow their parents’ footsteps. Some of them have played the game reasonably, securing university scholarships abroad or jobs through the sports quota with the Railways, Oil Companies, and the Services (Army, Navy, and Air Force).

India undoubtedly has the potential to be a top tennis nation. However, as with all potential, it must be harnessed, and harnessing India’s sporting potential is a complex task.

I have been fortunate to work on developing tennis at the grassroots level for over thirty years. I have collaborated with numerous school leaders and neighbourhood club management committees throughout my journey to establish composite coaching systems for players aged four years and above, as well as those aged seventy-five years and above. Over the years, I have set up systems for over 200 coaches, 10,000+ players, 50+ schools, neighbourhood clubs, apartment complexes, and more. I began coaching at eighteen after obtaining my coaching certification from the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), the oldest coaching organisation in the world. I received my certification at the prestigious US Open tennis courts in Flushing Meadows, New York.

As a passionate grassroots tennis coach, I’m thrilled to share my insights on igniting the love for tennis among our young players. My passion lies in nurturing young talent and expanding the reach of the sport of tennis. Today, I am eager to share some insights and exciting developments in our efforts to make tennis accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

A road map to grow the game. 

According to the ITF Global Tennis Report, published in 2021, India has approximately 28,000 tennis courts. Tennis courts are now a common feature in the sports facilities of most apartment complexes and new private schools. We do not have accurate data on the number of tennis coaches in India. However, given the number of tennis courts, we should focus our efforts on building the game from the ground up. This means focusing on grassroots tennis programs at local clubs, schools, and apartment complexes, which provide children and parents with easy access to tennis courts and coaching programs.

Why Grassroots Tennis?

Grassroots tennis is the foundation of our sport. It’s where young players get their first taste of the game, develop their skills, and learn valuable life lessons. By focusing on grassroots initiatives, we can:

1. Promote Physical Fitness: Tennis is a fantastic way to stay active and healthy.
2. Build Character: The game teaches discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance.
3. Create Opportunities: Early exposure can lead to scholarships, professional careers, and a lifelong love for the sport.

Mini Tennis: The Perfect Start

One of my most successful programs has been Mini Tennis. Smaller courts, lighter racquets, and softer balls make it easier for young children aged four to learn and enjoy the game. Mini Tennis is more than just a scaled-down version of the game; it’s a gateway to a lifelong love affair with the sport of tennis.

 Here are my top 3 reasons why Mini Tennis is a game-changer:

– Early Start: As Mini tennis courts are smaller, and the equipment is adapted to suit young players, children as young as four can start playing, ensuring they develop coordination and agility from a young age.

– Social Interaction: Mini tennis encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. It’s a fantastic way for kids to make friends and build lasting memories. The modified equipment makes the game fun and less intimidating, keeping children engaged.

– Skill Development: Children develop fundamental skills, such as hand-eye coordination, footwork, and racquet control, which lay the foundation for their tennis journey.

Collaborations with local schools and neighbourhood clubs will be instrumental in expanding the reach and setting up mini-tennis and beginner coaching programs. At the school level, integrating mini-tennis into the physical education curriculum will ensure that children get regular exposure to the sport. This will enable children from low socioeconomic backgrounds to also participate in coaching programs. Most private schools have a mandate to admit children from economically weaker sections of society. After-school programs will allow those children interested to train further to get more rigorous coaching. Local clubs with tennis courts also provide excellent facilities and a supportive environment for young players to practice and compete. And finally, hosting tournaments, exhibition matches, and tennis camps creates a buzz and encourages more people to take up the sport.

Tennis has the power to change lives. Together, we can create a thriving tennis community and inspire the next generation of players. Let’s serve up an ace together.

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