Next 2 years crucial for Indian tennis, says coach Zeeshan Ali

Bengaluru, Sep 8: He has been the coach of Indian men's tennis team for last couple of years. Previously he was one of the leading players whose ATP ranking reached within the first 150 players in the World. He achieved more and precious experience after his retirement in 1995. He had trained and regularly practiced with top player like Martina Hingis.

He is Zeeshan Ali. The former Davis Cup star and current national coach now feels that Indian tennis has reached a point of transition where it needs new breed of talented players within next couple of years.

And Zeeshan fears that if that does not happen then it will be difficult for All India Tennis Association to field in 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Speaking on the issue over phone recently, the 46-year old coach said, "Next 2 years are going to be very crucial for Indian tennis. If we cannot produce at least 10 players within next 2 years who could break the world ranking within first 150 in the singles then it will be difficult for us to fight with the World's top teams in near future.

"All India Tennis Association (AITA) is trying its best to create an atmosphere where young talented players are being nurtured. So, I am surely optimistic. But now we will have to face the hurdle."

India will be playing World Group match in the Davis Cup against Spain from 16 to 18th September at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Club court. And Spain team will comprise the players like legendary Rafael Nadal, Feliciano Lopez and David Ferer.

In the singles, Indian players who will be facing Nadal and Ferer are Saketh Myneni and Ramkumar Ramanathan. Saketh is presently ranked 143 in the world.

And Ramkumar's ATP singles ranking is 202. And the national coach defines by commenting, “Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri will be missing this match also due to injury. And we do not have alternative at the moment. So, we will fight with these boys."

OneIndia News