The rate of improvement in Indian players' game is not keeping pace with the growth being shown by their western counterparts, and that's a matter of concern, says tennis legend Vijay Amritraj.
"We have got enough bunch of players who are playing. The important thing for them is to improve at a particular rate and also be able to maintain that kind of growth factor like they do in the West. Rate of improvement must match that," Amritraj told PTI in Bangalore.
"The game shouldn't get ahead of us. That's the concern I am having," said the veteran, who twice reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
"The important thing is to have that growth between the second rung and first rung to improve at the rate West is improving. That's important. Not just good enough to play for India alone but to be able to compete at the highest level overseas," added Amritraj, based in Los Angeles.
He said: "The bar is high. To compete in international tennis, you have to be up there, with them (the best). Otherwise, you should compete in India".
While it's "bit of a drawback" that Indian tennis players are not "big enough" physically (in terms of height), it can be made up with quickness, pace, power, endurance, accuracy and consistency, Amritraj felt.
He said India has a "good depth" in bench strength but added that it's a question of "everyone improving together and having at the first class level, a big pool to choose from and not relying on one or two players all the time."
Amritraj advocated tier-system of coaching for various age groups. "It (coaching) is not generic and universal to everyone. Depends on the kids. Different things have to be done for different kids."
"Rate of improvement should match what you are seeing. It just requires constant efforts, more and more of hard work...may be even playing more and more international events; it's just a question of putting your head down and being able to compete with 19-20 year-olds overseas."
He also said: "Excellence really comes from individuals who have to take it upon themselves to make that kind of a commitment whereby you leave your schooling, leave your college...you just go after it and play only the sport. Get fitter, work harder which today's kids are doing a lot more than they were five years ago."
