Vijay lauds AITA efforts to raise level of game in the country

Former India tennis ace Vijay Amritraj on Tuesday expressed happiness with the All India Tennis Association's efforts to raise the level of the game in the country.

The former Davis Cupper, who had a history of running battles with the AITA, particularly against its former president, R K Khanna, while he was president of the players' association (ATP), now appears to have a change of heart.

Praising the AITA, he told newsmen in Bombay he "is happy to see so many international events in the country", which is ten times more than during his younger days.

"It is the best way to gauge the potential of young Indians," he opined.

He believed that the success of a tennis player depends on team effort, which includes officials, coaches, public sponsorship and also parents' guidance.

He felt such a joint effort is necessary as the face of tennis has changed drastically.

Since he played, he said, "The rackets are so strong that to counter that the balls have become six times heavier. This has resulted in players using more strength, ultimately making them physically stronger."

Vijay emphasized that the first requirement of a budding player is being able to cover the court like a 100 metre runner.

Amritraj is in Bombay to organise the famous 'Legends tour' event, which will take place at the Cricket Club of India from May 3 to 6.

He said former top ten players like Bjorn Borg, Guillermo Vilas and Henry Leconte will participate in the tournament and also hold clinics for kids.

Amritraj, who played 48 exhibition matches last year, said the legends will take only appearance money.

You can also read:
Vijay Amritraj named U.N. messenger of peace