Sania Mirza Highlights Challenges in Indian Tennis Development

Sania Mirza, the former Grand Slam champion, recently addressed the challenges within Indian tennis, emphasizing the need for a better system to nurture talent. During the 'Walk for Healthy Cities' event, she discussed her mentorship initiative, 'The Next Set,' aimed at supporting young female players. Mirza also highlighted the importance of health initiatives that promote active lifestyles in urban communities. Her insights reflect a deep commitment to improving the landscape of tennis in India while encouraging healthier living.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 27, 2026, 09:23 IST

Sania Mirza's Insights on Indian Tennis

Former Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza expressed her concerns on Sunday regarding the current state of tennis in India, stating that the system is "still not great." Despite the abundance of talent, she noted that many promising players struggle during their transition through various levels of the sport. Sania shared her thoughts during the Niva Bupa's 'Walk for Healthy Cities' event held in the national capital.

When asked about the potential for India to produce another player like her, Sania humorously remarked, "If only I had a crystal ball to predict that!" She reflected on being asked this question for over two decades, acknowledging the existing talent but emphasizing the difficulties players face when moving from junior to senior levels, particularly in breaking into the top rankings.

Mentorship Program 'The Next Set'

Sania highlighted the promising young talents in the country, such as 14-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, who she believes could be the future stars of Indian tennis. To support these players, she runs an initiative called 'The Next Set,' which provides essential resources like coaching and physiotherapy to the top eight female tennis players in India. She admitted that the existing system still poses challenges, making it difficult for players to manage their careers independently.

In her role at 'The Next Set,' Sania prefers to act as a mentor rather than a traditional coach. She remains accessible to the players, offering guidance and sharing her experiences to help them navigate the mental aspects of the sport.

Sania's Personal Connection to Tennis

Sania also shared that her son, Izhaan, is involved in tennis, stating, "He plays both football and tennis."

Niva Bupa's 'Walk for Healthy Cities' Initiative

Regarding the 'Walk for Healthy Cities' initiative, Sania expressed her support, stating that such initiatives resonate with her personally. She praised the efforts of Niva Bupa, emphasizing that small actions can lead to significant changes.

'Walk for Healthy Cities' is a revamped version of the previous 'Walk for Health' initiative, aimed at promoting walking as an easy and effective way to maintain health. This initiative is part of a larger movement focused on fostering healthier urban communities through individual health and physical activity.

Nimish Agrawal, Director of the Digital Business Unit and Chief Marketing Officer at Niva Bupa Health Insurance, commented on the initiative, stating, "We believe that health is about making daily healthier choices. With 'Walk for Healthy Cities,' we aim to connect personal actions with broader community and environmental benefits, encouraging people to incorporate movement into their daily routines."