"System for tennis in India is still not great": Sania Mirza
Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza highlights the gaps in India's tennis transition from juniors to seniors and her mentorship efforts.
Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza has voiced her concerns regarding the current state of tennis in India, stating that the national sporting system remains inadequate. Speaking in the national capital, the tennis legend pointed out that while India possesses significant talent, the country struggles to sustain that potential as players move through different professional tiers.
The Missing Link in Player Transition
Addressing the challenges faced by aspiring athletes, Mirza noted that the primary issue lies in the transition between competitive levels. She observed that many talented players seem to get lost when moving from the junior circuit to the senior ranks, or when attempting to climb the global rankings from the 300s into the top 100.
"I think somewhere in the transition of maybe from the juniors to the seniors, and then that senior bracket of going from like that 300 to 200 to 100 to 50 is where we get lost for various reasons," Mirza explained.
Searching for the Next Icon
When questioned about when India might produce the next player of her caliber, Mirza expressed that there is no simple answer. While she acknowledged the presence of promising Gen Z talents, such as Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, she noted that predicting the arrival of a new superstar is not something she can do with certainty.
Mentorship Through 'The Next Set'
To combat the systemic issues she identified, Mirza has launched an initiative called The Next Set. This program is designed to support the top eight female tennis players in India by providing essential resources that are often difficult to manage independently.
- Professional Coaching: Access to high-level technical training.
- Physical Support: Dedicated physiotherapists and trainers.
- Mental Fortitude: Guidance on handling the psychological pressures of professional sports.
Mirza clarified that her involvement is centered on mentorship rather than direct coaching. "I would not call it coaching per se. I am always there to help. All the girls have my number. They reach out to me from time to time... My role is about helping girls deal with the mental side of things and sharing my experiences," she said.
A Look at Indian Women's Tennis
The need for better support systems comes at a critical time for the sport. Earlier this year, the Indian women's team faced challenges in the Billie Jean King Cup 2026, failing to secure a spot in the playoffs after finishing third in the Asia-Oceania Group I standings with three wins and two losses.
On a personal note, Mirza also shared a glimpse into her family life, mentioning that her son, Izhaan, is staying active by playing both football and tennis.