'IT'S ABOUT TIME' - Rohan Bopanna demands change in tennis system in India

Last year, Rohan Bopanna vacated his seat in India’s Davis Cup squad.

Rohan Bopanna recently took to social media and uploaded a series of posts, where he complained about the existing tennis system in India and also suggested changes.

The two initial matches of the Davis Cup tie between India and Sweden were played on Saturday, September 14. Doordarshan Sports announced that they would telecast the fixture on their free-dish TV channel. However, the event didn’t start on time as a Bihar Volleyball League match was telecasted on the channel.

Waiting . https://t.co/2whbWT7TOD

— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) September 14, 2024

Earlier on Sunday, the former ATP doubles No. #1 took to social media and stated that it’s time for major changes in Indian tennis and the circuit. He also suggested five changes that should take place soon.

Rohan Bopanna wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, “IT’S ABOUT TIME. Time for a cultural shift. 1: Stronger Domestic Circuit. 2: Improved Grassroot Infrastructure. 3: Focus On Youth Development. 4: Player – Coach – Synergy. 5: More International Exposure.”

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Bopanna then talked about the requirement of funds in tennis. He stated that travelling overseas requires a winsome amount of funds. Thus, making a sufficient and sustainable local circuit would help tennis players capitalise on opportunities on their home soil without travelling internationally.

He wrote, “Traveling internationally is extremely expensive. A robust local circuit reduces costs & allows more players to compete regularly. A well-structured domestic circuit can serve as a stepping stone to international tournaments, allowing players to build ranking points & confidence.”

Traveling internationally is extremely expensive.A robust local circuit reduces costs & allows more players to compete regularly.A well-structured domestic circuit can serve as a stepping stone to international tournaments,allowing players to build ranking points & confidence. https://t.co/ZDPhrusyek

— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) September 15, 2024

Later, he also answered the questions asked by fans. An X user pointed out the importance of having a 250/500 level event. India had an ATP 250 event, the Pune Open, until 2023 before it was discontinued. Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka also played in the tournament on multiple occasions.

Thus, to play against top players on the tour, Indians are required to travel overseas as the nation lacks a 250/500 level tournament. Bopanna was also a three-time men’s doubles champion.

He wrote, “Yes absolutely, after there are players playing consistently at that level from the country. Currently, we need tournaments for the level the players are at and then grow with the players.”

Yes absolutely, after there are players playing consistently at that level from the country. Currently we need tournaments for the level the players are at and then grow with the players. https://t.co/exzoHtSqph

— Rohan Bopanna (@rohanbopanna) September 15, 2024

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