'I want to commentate on an Indian playing singles on Centre Court at Wimbledon': Vijay Amritraj
New Delhi, June 27
Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj has said his biggest aspiration for the country's tennis future is to witness an Indian singles player competing for the Wimbledon title, stressing that success in doubles alone cannot fulfil India's long-standing ambitions in the sport.
Amritraj reflected on the direction of Indian tennis while discussing the current crop of players, including Yuki Bhambri and Sriram Balaji. Asked whether Indian tennis today requires stronger role models or better players to carry the sport forward, the former Davis Cup stalwart pointed to the importance of producing elite singles competitors capable of challenging the world's best.
"Yuki Bhambri and Sriram Balaji are all very good doubles players, but that doesn't give you a chance to win Wimbledon or do well in Wimbledon or make the top 100 or the top 50 or the top 20 or put India in a Davis Cup final. That's the key here," Amritraj told IANS during JioStar Media Day ahead of Wimbledon 2026.
For Amritraj, who guided the Indian team to the Davis Cup Finals in 1974 and 1987, the benchmark of success lies not merely in competing at Grand Slams but in consistently challenging the world's top-ranked singles players on the sport's biggest stages.
"The most important part of this is the fact that you end up making a commitment to the sport and you play it at the highest level and you have to compete with the world's best, with the top 128 players at the championships. That's where you want to perform. That's where you want to win Wimbledon, playing a singles match with a tricolour flying. That's the goal," the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee expressed.
The former Wimbledon quarter-finalist also revealed that his personal dream has evolved over the years. Having transitioned into one of the most recognisable voices in international tennis broadcasting, Amritraj said he now hopes to witness an Indian singles player competing on Centre Court while he is behind the microphone.
"My goal in the last 20 years, 15 years has truly been in television where I want to be able to commentate on an Indian playing on the Centre Court at Wimbledon in singles where he has a chance to win. That's the goal here, and I think that's where the commitment, the excitement and all of it comes together when that person is up leading 4-1 in the fifth," Amritraj stated.
The JioStar expert concluded by expressing hope that Indian tennis will eventually produce a player capable of realising that vision, saying, "I look for that and I hope it happens soon."
(Catch Wimbledon 2026, from June 29 - July 12, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network)
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is such a valid point. As someone who follows tennis closely, I see how much investment other countries put into singles training from a young age. India has the talent but lacks the infrastructure and grassroots programs. Vijay's dream is every Indian tennis fan's dream - seeing that tricolour fly on Centre Court during a singles final. Hope it happens in our lifetime!
Respectfully, I think we're being a bit harsh on the doubles players. Yuki and Sriram have worked incredibly hard to reach where they are. But yes, I do agree with Amritraj's larger point. Singles tennis needs more focus in India. The problem is our system doesn't produce singles players well - the academies, the coaching, the exposure for kids. I'd love to see more investment in grassroots singles development. That's the real change needed.
Vijay sir's passion for Indian tennis is unmatched. The way he talks about wanting to commentate on an Indian singles player on Centre Court gives me goosebumps. I still remember when Somdev Devvarman almost beat Novak Djokovic in 2010 - that's the level we need consistently. If we can produce even one player who can regularly make it to the second week of Grand Slams, it would change everything for Indian tennis. Let's hope Sumit Nagal or someone else can take that leap forward!
It's interesting to hear the perspective from a legend like Amritraj. I think the issue isn't just about producing one singles star - it's about creating a whole ecosystem. Look at how tennis developed in China or Japan - they invested in academies, brought in international coaches, and created pathways for young players. India has the passion but not the systematic approach. Still, I'm optimistic. With more exposure and better training facilities, I believe we'll see an Indian singles player at the top soon.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.