How Indian tennis can benefit from Roger Federer playing in India
If the people of India were to choose one man to see live on a tennis court, they would pick Roger Federer.
The most popular tennis player in the country, if not the world, Federer recently announced his participation in the International Premier Tennis League. Leading the Indian Aces, Federer will play in New Delhi from 6th to 8th December 2014. And with social media at everyone’s fingers, the excitement of Indians to watch their hero is already at the highest levels.
There are many reasons for Indians to be in a joyous mood upon his arrival. But along with the smiles and cheers, there is real hope that Federer’s arrival would inspire Indian tennis to better and bigger things in the near future.
The icon’s unparalleled popularity
The Swiss Maestro is a symbol of class in the world of sport. Whether he wins another Grand Slam or not is a question of much debate, but what is certain is that Federer’s popularity is always on the rise. He is loved and adored by fans of all demographics.
Several Indian sports enthusiasts are looking forward to seeing in the flesh one of the best sportspersons of all time. Even those who do not regularly follow tennis will want to pounce on the chance to catch a glimpse of the tennis legend.
There are very few occasions when India is exposed to the stars of international sports. But when such instances do come along, they more often than not turn out to be game-changing.
Lionel Messi played a friendly match in Kolkata in 2011. Football’s popularly has increased tremendously since then, and while Messi might not be the sole reason, the Argentine magician did play a significant part.
Similarly, Roger Federer will likely create a huge tennis wave amongst the nation. He is the rock star of tennis, whose concert every young child wants to attend. He is respected by all sets of fans – including rivals’ fans – players, athletes of other sports and countless number of people around the country. Every brand seeks to be associated with the champion, because there is a sense of elegance and sophistication to his character.
When the entire nation gets the chance to watch Federer play on Indian soil, the gravity of the event and emotions of the fans could bring a meteoric rise in the popularity of the sport. Fan involvement in Indian tennis will see a rise as will there be an increase in encouragement for young Indians to take up the sport.
Inculcating the role model’s values
Federer is the perfect brand ambassador for tennis. He has the ability to combine his graceful persona along with tenacious hard-hitting shots placed with consistent accuracy. With a strong serve, the 17-time Grand Slam is the complete player. He brings a level of artistry to his game that is often magical in nature.
Off the court, Federer presents himself with utmost humility. A family man with four children, Federer is the player all adults and children to look up to.
It seems very easy for a player who is so good to ooze arrogance, and to show off his greatness. But Federer, in nature, seems to be the complete opposite. Humble in his championship winning speeches, gracious in defeat and grateful regardless of the result, Federer epitomises ‘leading by example’.
His on-court attitude is perfectly balanced with the right amount of composure and aggression. Very rarely do we see him lose his cool or show his emotions. The 33-year-old will just keep doing his thing without letting the outside affect his focus.
In short, Federer possesses all the values that should be present in a model sportsperson. And the aspiring tennis players in the country will get a glimpse of all those values first-hand when the Swiss comes to India.
Tennis over everything
India is marred with several political wrangles in tennis. The players’ interests appear to lie outside the tennis court. There are issues for players to team up with certain players. The organisation’s stance also favours certain players.
The solution should not be to figure out which party is correct or incorrect, but on how to eradicate the problem altogether. And that’s where Federer’s presence can bring about a subtle but significant change.
A cloud of uncertainty hangs over youngsters and budding players. The Indian stars may boast Grand Slam titles on their records, but their attitude is far from gold. For these youngsters, the golden rule should be to impersonate Federer.
There seems nothing that could faze the former World. No. 1; he steps on to the court, plays his tennis, steps off the court and returns to live his life. He is the last name to be involved any controversial story. The work ethic he possesses deserves plaudits, and yet he seeks none. For Indian players and officials, a personality like that is just about the best possible inspiration that they could ever get.
Roger Federer holds many records to his name. He has won 17 Grand Slam titles, 80 career titles and over $80 million in prize money. Not only as a sportsman but also an individual, Federer is an iconic figure. His presence on the Delhi courts in India might be brief but the after effects will last much longer.
This is an opportune moment for tennis players and coaches to learn from the world’s best. And who knows, Federer’s visit to India might just be the catalyst needed to spur on the grown of Indian tennis.