Wimbledon, the quintessential grass-court Grand Slam, once held a special allure for Indian tennis enthusiasts. From the inspiring performances of Ramanathan Krishnan in the 1960s to the doubles dominance of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi in the late 1990s, and Sania Mirza's historic women's doubles win in 2015, Wimbledon was a stage where Indian dreams played out. However, in recent years, this love affair seems to have waned, with fewer Indian players making significant inroads at the All England Club.
The early history of Indian tennis at Wimbledon saw individuals like Sardar Nihal Singh marking India's debut in 1908. Sumant Misra then secured the first match win for India in 1947. Ramanathan Krishnan further solidified India's presence by winning the boys' singles title in 1954 and reaching the semi-finals of the Gentlemen's Singles in 1960 and 1961.
The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed the rise of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, famously known as the "Indian Express." Their 1999 Wimbledon men's doubles title was a watershed moment, making them the first Indian team to win a Grand Slam title. Paes's mixed doubles victories further cemented his legacy at Wimbledon. Mahesh Bhupathi also won mixed doubles titles. These wins inspired a generation and fueled the growth of tennis in India.
Sania Mirza's women's doubles victory with Martina Hingis in 2015 marked another high point. Mirza became the first Indian woman to win a Wimbledon title, an achievement that resonated deeply within the Indian sporting landscape.
Despite these historical achievements, recent performances by Indian players at Wimbledon have been underwhelming. Wimbledon 2024 saw participation from Rohan Bopanna, Sumit Nagal, Yuki Bhambri, and N Sriram Balaji. Sumit Nagal, who made his Wimbledon main draw debut, lost in the opening round of both the men's singles and doubles events. Veteran Rohan Bopanna, paired with Matthew Ebden, reached the second round in men's doubles but could not advance further. Yuki Bhambri also exited in the second round of men's doubles. N Sriram Balaji faced an early exit in the first round.
Several factors could be contributing to this decline. One is the lack of exposure to grass courts in India. The majority of tennis infrastructure in India is geared towards hard courts or clay courts, making it difficult for players to develop the necessary skills and experience to excel on grass.
Another factor is the increasing globalization and competitiveness of tennis. Players from all over the world are now vying for a spot on the professional circuit, raising the bar for success. Indian players face stiff competition from their international counterparts, who often have access to better resources and training facilities from a young age.
The financial constraints faced by many aspiring Indian tennis players also play a significant role. The cost of training, travel, and equipment can be prohibitive, making it difficult for talented players from less privileged backgrounds to pursue their dreams. While prize money at Grand Slams like Wimbledon is substantial, reaching that level requires significant investment and support. Sumit Nagal, despite losing in the first round of both singles and doubles at Wimbledon 2024, earned the most among the Indian contingent, taking home ₹72.55 lacs. Rohan Bopanna secured ₹13.36 lacs for reaching the second round in doubles. Sriram Balaji earned ₹8.42 lacs despite exiting in the first round.
Looking ahead, a renewed focus on developing grass-court infrastructure in India, coupled with increased investment in player development, could help revive India's fortunes at Wimbledon. Encouraging young players to gain international exposure early in their careers and providing financial support to talented athletes from all backgrounds are crucial steps. While the recent performances may have dimmed the spotlight, the historical achievements of Indian tennis legends at Wimbledon serve as a reminder of the potential that exists.
