Maharashtra's Tennis Tournaments Elevate Indian Players' Prospects

Transformative Era for Indian Tennis

By Diptayan Hazra

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: The Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA) is ushering in a new era for Indian tennis by successfully organizing three significant international events: the Men's Challengers Tour, the Women's WTA 125, and the esteemed Billie Jean King Cup. Under the leadership of Secretary Sunder Iyer, these tournaments are enhancing Maharashtra's reputation as a tennis hub and creating promising opportunities for Indian athletes.

In a conversation about the importance of these events, Iyer remarked, “MSLTA has long been a leader in Indian tennis, hosting numerous tournaments over the past decade and a half. In recent years, we have focused on elevating the quality of these competitions to benefit our players.”

These tournaments serve as vital platforms for both local and national players, allowing them to compete against elite talent without the need for international travel.

“Maharashtra players will have enhanced chances to participate in larger events. Typically, four to six players from the state can compete, but it also opens doors for Indian players to engage in significant competitions at home, whether in men's, women's, or ITF junior categories,” he explained.

Iyer highlighted the positive outcomes of this initiative, stating, “Aryan Shah participated in several events, and we have Shrivalli (Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty), Vaishnavi Adkar, and Pooja Ingale, all of whom secured gold medals at the National Games. This success stems from the opportunities they receive.”

“Maharashtra has been proactive in organizing tournaments, and we are pleased to support tennis not just in our state but across India. We have also established connections with ITF, ATP, and WTA for financial backing, which has enabled us to host these events, along with support from the Sports Authority of India,” he added.

Participation in these international competitions significantly influences a player's global ranking, often providing a crucial boost.

“Indeed, rankings improve. If players receive a wild card and win a match, they can earn 8 or 9 points from a USD 35,000 tournament,” Iyer noted.

“Previously, we hosted the Asian Juniors in Pune, and those who triumphed often ranked among the top 50 globally that year,” he added.

To meet the rigorous standards set by ATP, WTA, and ITF, MSLTA has invested heavily in infrastructure, particularly in Pune, which has become the focal point for international tennis in Maharashtra.

“Pune has developed a robust infrastructure since the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2008, designed to host international events,” he stated.

While Mumbai faces challenges due to limited facilities, Iyer emphasized that the clubs in the city remain world-class.

“We conduct international tournaments across eight cities in Maharashtra, including Nashik, Nagpur, Solapur, Aurangabad, and Navi Mumbai, in addition to Pune and Mumbai. Our investments have been made through partnerships with the Maharashtra government and local municipalities,” he explained.

India's hospitality is crucial in reshaping the global perception of tournaments held in the country.

“We aim to leave a lasting impression on international players visiting India. Previously, there were concerns about health issues, but that perception has changed,” he noted.

Iyer attributed this shift to collaborative efforts nationwide:

“The dedication from us, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Delhi Tennis Association has significantly altered how foreigners view India. They now feel welcomed and at home,” he added.

Despite the current progress, Iyer remains realistic about the steps needed for India to become a formidable force in global tennis.

“We have much work ahead in tennis. We are well-positioned to become a world leader in the sport. Our economy is strong, and our players have shown improvement over the past decade,” he stated.

He pointed out the growing depth in both men's and women's circuits, saying, “We used to have just one standout player, but now we have two or three competing closely, which is a positive sign. Our seasoned players are performing well internationally, with seven to eight in the top 100 in doubles, and our young female players are excelling. I believe they will be world-class in two years.”

To maintain this momentum, support systems must be enhanced, “We need to establish a clear pathway for them, manage their travel, and appoint mentors—experienced players—to guide and accompany these young athletes. With proper mentorship, our players can excel. While it will take time, these are immediate actions we must undertake.”