The Turmoil and Disarray of Indian Tennis

Disgruntled Players and Fractured Governance

2024 was a disheartening year for Indian tennis, marked by players declining national duty and an infighting-ridden governing body.

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) faced accusations of obscurity and indifference towards player concerns. The result? The game hit record lows.

Infighting and Elections

Allegations of self-serving practices plagued AITA President Anil Jain, who avoided a no-confidence motion by agreeing to step down. A newly elected team in late 2024 promised reforms but faced legal challenges that stalled progress.

Boycotts and Disillusionment

Yuki Bhambri's absence from the Davis Cup sparked controversy due to his omission from the Paris Olympics team. His frustrations amplified as AITA failed to provide clear explanations regarding his non-Olympic status.

India's top singles player Sumit Nagal's withdrawal from matches baffled everyone. Despite reaching a financial agreement, Nagal cited back strain and questionable timing to excuse himself.

Administrative Blunders

Compounding the chaos, the AITA publicly disclosed Nagal's monetary demands, igniting a war of words. Meanwhile, second-best player Sasikumar Mukund was banned for refusing to travel to Pakistan, a ban that many saw as excessive.

On-court Struggles

On the court, India's performance was equally dismal. Rohan Bopanna's Australian Open doubles title highlighted his resilience, but singles success proved elusive. Sumit Nagal's mid-season slump pushed him to the brink of dropping out of the top 100.

Urgent Need for Change

"The state of Indian tennis is alarming," said former player Leander Paes. "We need an immediate revamp, starting with a thriving domestic circuit and tournaments to support our talented players."

The Future of the Sport

With a significant talent gap, India faces an uphill battle in the world of tennis. The clock is ticking for the country to address its shortcomings and foster a sustainable future for the sport.