As the Australian Open 2026 gets underway in Melbourne, Indian tennis is at a crucial crossroads. This year marks the first time in several seasons that the tournament is being held without an active Indian Major champion, a change brought about by the retirement of seasoned doubles player Rohan Bopanna. With Indian singles players absent from the main draw for the fourth consecutive Grand Slam, the focus now shifts to doubles specialist Yuki Bhambri, who is currently ranked No. 21, to spearhead India’s efforts.
Somdev Devvarman, a former No. 1 in India, perceives this phase as more than just a transition in sports; he sees it as an opportunity for profound reflection. He notes that the challenges facing Indian tennis extend beyond mere performance and underscore the necessity to make the sport more accessible in order to enhance its popularity.
In a recent interview with The Assam Tribune, conducted via Zoom, Devvarman discussed India’s strong legacy in doubles, the existing gaps in singles performance, important lessons for young athletes, and his optimism about the Northeast region after a recent visit.
When asked about Bhambri’s leadership in doubles, Devvarman praised him as the country’s top doubles player, recognizing his potential to break into the Top 20. He emphasized that Bhambri’s previous experience in singles is advantageous, contributing to his quickness and tactical decision-making. Despite facing injuries, Bhambri has effectively managed his physical conditioning. Devvarman considers him one of the best returners in the game and highlighted his aggressive playing style, excellent instincts, and strong partnership skills, suggesting that a deep run in the Grand Slam is well within reach.
Reflecting on what Indian tennis will miss most after Bopanna’s departure, Devvarman pointed to his dependable serve and composure during critical moments. He recalled numerous matches where Bopanna’s serve instilled a sense of security in the team, making him a pivotal figure whose leadership will be hard to replace.
Devvarman also addressed the disparity between India’s success in doubles versus its struggles in singles. He attributed this to a lack of clarity and focus, explaining that many players have recognized doubles as a viable career path and have committed fully to the discipline. In contrast, singles play is more physically demanding, and Indian training programs have lagged behind global advancements, resulting in many top players eventually seeking training abroad.
To broaden tennis’s reach among children in India, Devvarman believes accessibility is critical. He stressed that no single solution exists and that improvements are necessary in areas such as facilities, coaching, costs, and competition. He warned that without removing barriers for children to engage with the sport, tennis will remain limited to a small demographic.
Discussing how to consistently produce top players like Leander Paes and Sania Mirza, Devvarman argued that significant changes are required, especially in coaching structures and tournament pathways. He noted that both Paes and Mirza did not train exclusively within the Indian system, highlighting the need for systemic improvements.
When it comes to predicting the winner of the Australian Open 2026, Devvarman favored Jannik Sinner, whose track record in Melbourne is impressive, but noted that Carlos Alcaraz is in close contention if he can find his rhythm early.
On the women’s side, Devvarman identified Aryna Sabalenka as the favorite but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of women’s tennis, which adds to its excitement.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Guwahati, Devvarman described the experience as very positive, noting a refreshing sense of talent and interest in the region. He expressed that with the right direction and infrastructure, the Northeast could produce high-caliber players.
In closing, Devvarman offered advice for young players: to focus on what they can control, to prioritize their improvement, and to maintain a learning mindset, emphasizing that mental attitude is just as important as talent.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/sports/northeast-has-talent-what-it-needs-is-direction-somdev-devvarman-1604787
Category: Sports,Featured
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Publish Date: 2026-01-18 18:28:00
