NEW DELHI
Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj has shared a heartfelt aspiration for the future of the sport in his home country. While he acknowledges the talent of current stars like Yuki Bhambri and Sriram Balaji, Amritraj insists that India must produce elite singles players to truly make its mark on the global stage.
Speaking to media ahead of the upcoming Wimbledon championships, the former Davis Cup stalwart emphasized that doubles success, while commendable, is not the ultimate benchmark. For Amritraj, the true goal is seeing an Indian athlete compete and win in a singles match on the sport’s most hallowed ground.
“My goal for the last 15 to 20 years has been to commentate on an Indian playing on Centre Court at Wimbledon in a singles match where they have a real chance to win,” Amritraj said. He explained that there is a unique magic in watching an Indian player compete at the highest level with the tricolour flying high, especially during the pressure-filled closing moments of a fifth set.
Amritraj, who reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals during his own storied career, noted that reaching the top 100 or top 20 in world rankings remains the essential hurdle for the next generation. He remains deeply committed to seeing an Indian tennis player rise to this challenge. While the path is difficult, he hopes to see a young compatriot realize this dream on television soon, providing a defining moment for Indian sports.
