Wimbledon 2025 marks a significant milestone exactly 10 years since Indian tennis players lifted trophies at the prestigious Championships. The year 2015 was a memorable one for Indian Players, with Sania Mirza and Leander Paes clinching mixed and men’s doubles titles alongside Martina Hingis, and Sumit Nagal winning the junior boys’ doubles crown with his Vietnamese partner Lý Hoàng Nam.
While doubles titles brought joy and recognition, Indian tennis has long struggled to achieve comparable success in singles, especially at Grand Slam events like Wimbledon. This article explores India’s current tennis landscape, the challenges faced, and the path forward as emphasized by tennis legend Vijay Amritraj.
A Look Back: India’s Doubles Glory and Singles Struggles
The doubles victories in 2015 were celebrated as landmark achievements because India traditionally found more success in doubles than singles on the international stage. Since then, India’s performance at Grand Slams has been sporadic at best, with singles breakthroughs almost non-existent.
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At Wimbledon 2025, Indian players faced tough competition, and results were
disappointing. Sumit Nagal, the only senior singles player representing India, exited in the first round of qualifying. Doubles players Rohan Bopanna, N Sriram Balaji, and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli also bowed out early, with Yuki Bhambri, the last remaining Indian player, losing in the third round.
Vijay Amritraj’s Perspective: Hard Work and Singles Focus
Vijay Amritraj, an Indian tennis icon and Hall of Famer, urges a renewed focus on singles success. Reflecting on the past, Amritraj highlights that Indian players once made a mark at Wimbledon in singles. He himself played 16 Championships, reaching the quarterfinals twice, while another legend, Ramanathan Krishnan, achieved the No. 4 seeding and reached consecutive semifinals in the 1960s.
Amritraj stresses the importance of hard work and commitment. Speaking during Wimbledon’s Media Day, he said, “There is no substitute for hard work. Yes, you can overcome lack of talent with extra work, but you can’t overcome less work with extra talent.”
He further emphasized the need for India to produce multiple players ranked in the top 100 or 50 globally, comparing India to countries like Italy that have successfully developed competitive tennis programs.
The Current Rankings: A Cause for Concern
The top-ranked Indian singles players today are far from the elite. Sumit Nagal is ranked No. 296 globally, while Shrivalli Bhamidipaty stands at No. 322. These rankings highlight the significant gap between India and the world’s best.
Amritraj believes this disparity can only be bridged through rigorous work ethic and dedication. As the president of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association, he brings insight from both a player and an administrative perspective.
The Path Forward: Commitment and Consistency
Amritraj emphasizes that tennis is an individual sport demanding relentless commitment. He notes, “If you work 110% constantly and protect your body, then there is a 100% chance that you will make it. If you do not work 110%, then there’s absolutely zero chance.”
His message to aspiring Indian tennis players is clear: reaching the top 100 or 50 is not just about talent — it’s about persistence, discipline, and physical upkeep. It’s about competing consistently at the highest level, not just qualifying for tournaments.
Historical Highlights and Current Challenges
Amritraj recalls his memorable win over Yannick Noah on Wimbledon’s Centre Court 40 years ago — a moment that marked the last time an Indian played singles on that iconic stage. The fact that Indian presence on Centre Court in singles has been so rare in recent decades underlines the challenge ahead.
India used to dominate Asia in tennis, particularly in the Davis Cup. Today, the nation lags behind many others, prompting calls for a revamp in training, infrastructure, and player development to produce multiple top-ranked players.
Why Singles Success Matters More
Amritraj points out that while doubles achievements are commendable, singles tennis remains the pinnacle of the sport. Media attention, sponsorship, and global recognition focus heavily on singles champions like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Aryna Sabalenka.
To revive Indian tennis on the world stage, players must aspire to singles excellence. “You start the game to play and win a Grand Slam eventually. If you’re good enough, work hard enough, and have enough talent, you can reach your full potential,” Amritraj says.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last time India won a Wimbledon title?
India last won Wimbledon titles in 2015, with Sania Mirza and Leander Paes winning mixed and men’s doubles respectively, and Sumit Nagal winning junior doubles.
Who is Vijay Amritraj and why is he important to Indian tennis?
Vijay Amritraj is a legendary Indian tennis player and Hall of Famer, known for his achievements in singles and doubles during the 1970s and 80s. He is currently active in tennis administration.
Why is Indian tennis struggling in singles?
Challenges include lack of top-ranked players, insufficient focus on singles training, infrastructure gaps, and the need for stronger work ethic and commitment.
How does India compare to other tennis nations?
India ranks below many nations in producing top singles players, with countries like Italy having more players in the top 100 and 50, making them more competitive in global tournaments.
What rankings do current top Indian singles players hold?
Sumit Nagal is ranked No. 296 and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty is ranked No. 322 in the world singles rankings.
What advice does Vijay Amritraj give to aspiring players?
He emphasizes that hard work, commitment, and physical fitness are crucial, stating there is no substitute for working harder than anyone else.
Has India produced any singles players who made it far at Wimbledon?
Yes, players like Vijay Amritraj and Ramanathan Krishnan reached advanced stages such as quarterfinals and semifinals in the past.
What is the outlook for Indian tennis in the future?
With renewed focus on training, infrastructure, and player dedication, Indian tennis has potential to nurture multiple players into the top 100 and improve performance at Grand Slams.
Conclusion
Wimbledon 2025 serves as a reminder that Indian tennis needs a fresh focus on singles success supported by unmatched work ethic. The journey to reclaim India’s place among tennis elites requires dedication from players, better infrastructure, and a strategic vision from administrators.