Tennis in India has a rich history, with players like Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi putting the country on the global tennis map. However, while India has had success in doubles and mixed doubles events, the country has struggled to produce singles players capable of breaking into the world’s top ranks.
The 2024 season saw India’s top singles player, Sumit Nagal, make steady progress on the ATP Tour, reaching the third round of the Australian Open. Although Nagal has shown promise, he continues to face tough competition on the global stage. India’s women’s tennis scene has also seen rising stars like Ankita Raina, who has consistently performed well on the WTA circuit.
Despite the challenges in singles, India continues to excel in doubles. The pairing of Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan remains competitive on the ATP doubles circuit, with both players achieving multiple tournament victories. India’s doubles success has also been evident in the Davis Cup, where the team has consistently reached the World Group stages.
Tennis in India faces several challenges, including the lack of infrastructure and funding at the grassroots level. However, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) is working to improve the situation by organizing more national-level tournaments and investing in youth development programs.
The success of Paes and Bhupathi has inspired a generation of young players, and with continued support, India hopes to produce more singles players who can compete at the highest levels. While the road ahead is challenging, the country remains optimistic about its tennis future, with the goal of breaking into the elite ranks of world tennis in the coming years.
