Once a proud stage for Indian tennis legends, Wimbledon’s iconic grass courts now echo with absence as no Indian player features in the main singles draw of the 2025 edition. The decline marks a stark contrast to the golden era of Ramanathan Krishnan, Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza, who once carried India’s hopes at the All England Club.
🎾 From Centre Court to Sidelines: A Legacy in Decline
- India’s Wimbledon journey began in the early 1900s, with Ramanathan Krishnan becoming the first Asian to win the boys’ singles title in 1954
- He later reached the men’s singles semifinals in 1960 and 1961, a feat unmatched by any Indian since
- The 1990s and 2000s saw a resurgence with Paes-Bhupathi’s doubles dominance and Sania Mirza’s women’s doubles title in 2015, but the momentum has since faded
🧱 What Went Wrong?
- Shift to hard courts: Most Indian academies now prioritize hard courts, making it harder for players to adapt to grass
- Changing Wimbledon surface: The grass has become slower and more baseline-friendly, reducing the advantage for serve-and-volley players
- Lack of grassroots investment: Inadequate infrastructure and limited exposure to international tournaments have stunted player development
“For every player, it’s hard to adapt to grass,” said Yuki Bhambri, former top-100 singles player and current doubles world No. 35
📉 No Titles in a Decade
- India hasn’t had a finalist in doubles or mixed doubles since 2015
- In junior categories, it’s been 10 years since an Indian boy or girl claimed a title
- Sumit Nagal, India’s top-ranked singles player, crashed out in the first round of qualifiers this year
📌 Why It Matters
- Reflects a broader stagnation in Indian tennis, especially in singles
- Underscores the need for surface-specific training, international exposure, and institutional support
- Reviving India’s Wimbledon legacy could reignite public interest and inspire the next generation
🔁 Share this article to reflect on India’s fading Wimbledon magic and the road to reclaiming its grass-court glory.
