What Rohan Bopanna and Sumit Nagal have accomplished this year has inspired many Indian players: Ankita Raina

Over the past fortnight, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) has hosted the 137th edition of the Wimbledon Championships. Barbora Krejcikova won the women’s singles title after holding off an aggressive Jasmine Paolini in the final, while Carlos Alcaraz denied Novak Djokovic a perfect revenge by beating the seven-time Wimbledon champion in three sets to successfully defend the men’s crown.

Ankita Raina spoke about her own experience of playing at the Wimbledon Championships

The World Table Tennis Championship is the oldest of the Grand Slam tournaments, and fans around the world are well aware of the tradition, culture and history that sets it apart from the rest. However, for Indian fans, the AELTC offered a new experience. As part of its initiative to popularise the sport in India, the AELTC partnered with Star Sports to telecast the matches with Hindi commentary.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Indian tennis star Ankita Raina spoke at length about her association with the AELTC and the impact the initiative has had on tennis in the country. She also spoke about her own experience at Wimbledon before touching on how individual performances, such as those of the 2024 great Rohan Bopanna and Sumit Nagal, have inspired other players.

Excerpts:

Q) Could you tell us about your association with the AELTC?

The All England Tennis Club is creating awareness for the Wimbledon Championships. We have already seen a huge increase in viewership compared to 2022, almost 96%. And you know they are bringing the Wimbledon experience to Indian fans through celebrity and influencer engagement.

Q) Could you also talk about AELTC’s initiative to popularise tennis in India?

The AELTC is very prestigious and you have to win the championship to be a member. And you know, when I played at Wimbledon in the last few years, I got to see what that means. So they are offering that service directly to the Indian fans. They have partnered with Star Sports Network and this time they are broadcasting the championship with Hindi commentary.

Q) How can this initiative impact Indian tennis?

I think it is already happening. They saw that India is a growing market, so they came up with these new initiatives. Growing up, we have seen many players representing India, be it Leander (Paes), Sania (Mirza), Mahesh (Bhupathi) or Rohan (Bopanna); it has had an impact and inspiration on many Indian players and the sport itself.

Q) What makes this tournament so special and unique?

The legacy and history that comes with this event makes it the Mecca of tennis, and every tennis player dreams of being there. Also, the rule of wearing only white, I think, makes it more special and elegant.

Q) You mentioned your participation in Wimbledon. How was that experience?

I have very fond memories from there. In 2021, we had this mixed doubles match where Ramkumar (Ramanathan) and I played against Sania and Rohan. So I don’t know where else I would have gotten that opportunity. For me, playing there was a dream come true. I come from a very humble background, so playing there and experiencing that environment is hard to describe in words.

Q) From a fan’s perspective, what can you expect when watching Wimbledon each year?

It’s one of the biggest sporting events. It’s an iconic event and some of the best players in the world are playing in it. This time, Indian fans will be able to experience it through Hindi commentary. So I think it will make it more accessible because I feel like tennis, as a sport, for an outsider, can sometimes take a while to get used to, with the score and so on. So I think having Hindi commentary is a step forward.

Q) To what extent have individual performances, like those of Rohan Bopanna and Sumit Nagal this year, inspired other players?

I think it’s huge. I would say we’ve seen it before. A lot of players have mentioned it and you know, how much it has motivated them. I feel like we have an Indian flag bearer at the highest level, even though we had Sania and Leander before. So I think it has impacted the sport in one way or another, and I think it will continue to do so. It will continue to promote and inspire more and more. Yes.

Q) Rohan Bopanna has launched a dream project in doubles with the initiative to empower deserving Indian doubles tennis players. Do you think such a programme is of utmost importance in the singles category as well as for women players?

There should be more opportunities for tournaments, you know, events in India, and events that Indian players can participate in and qualify for. I think that will make a huge difference.

Q) Your plans for the rest of the season?

For now I just want to get back to the Grand Slams, and then the goal is to get into the main draws.