Indian tennis is playing out like a long-running soap opera.

Seasons have rolled by but the central characters have remained the same and so has the plot. A power-hungry negative but central character in the form of the All India Tennis Association and a group of protagonists, who although united in the cause of the sport, have for long differed in their opinions.

But come April 6, we could witness the end of the opera which in turn could usher a new beginning for the sport, which has a strong following in the country.

This Saturday, the newly-formed Indian Tennis Players’ Association will hold its first Annual General Body meeting in Bengaluru, following its launch in February.

The ITPA, by itself, is a model for sportspersons in the country who for long have been ruled by the whims and fancies of federation honchos, for most of whom players’ welfare is a very low priority.

Although the ITPA came into existence last month, the indications to the effect have been around for a while now. Until recently, unity was never a strong point of Indian tennis. Internal bickering and ego clashes have always been a part of the sport’s culture.

Last year, when Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna took on the men, who wield power and supposedly know what is best for the sport in the run-up to the London Olympics, a significant glimpse of unity in times of crisis proved to be shining beacon.

The next show of strength came when 11 players made themselves unavailable for the Davis Cup tie against Korea after the AITA chose not to take up the players’ suggestions.

The players are back in the fold, on their terms, and determined to bring about a positive change in the tennis scene in the county. But they take pains to maintain that they are not a rival body to the AITA, but a “forum for the players, by the players.”

Speaking about the players’ unity, one of the primary factors behind the formation of the ITPA, India’s singles ace Somdev Devvaraman said, “All the players are sticking together and that’s a positive sign and it’s not going to change anytime soon. It’s very evident to all of us that we are doing what is correct and what is right for the sport in the country.

“We are always going to support each other. It’s rare and it’s a beautiful group to be a part of,” said the undisputed leader of the young generation.

The 28-year-old pro, who is on a comeback trail, further stated, “It’s our right to voice our opinion, India is a free country where people have always voiced their opinion if we don’t like it, we’ll say it. That’s the way I have been brought up.”

While AITA may beg to differ, Bhupathi rightly points out that they have only the interest of sport in mind. “What we are trying to do is call for better process in tennis and make it a better sport for everyone.”

All these players show passion and commitment on the court and it’s no surprise the same comes out when they speak of the way forward for Indian tennis.

“The ultimate thing is a lot of players who have played in the past and most of the present players are all on the same page. One thing is for sure, all of us want the exact same thing as an outcome. We just want the best for the players and for the future of the game. I think all of us are tennis enthusiasts, and we just want the best for it,” said the strappy Somdev.

A new beginning beckons Indian tennis, and the fact that the ushers are men and women who are passionate about the sport may well bring the bang back into Indian tennis. We will have the AGM on Saturday. Trust me, we are going to be there in full force supporting the team during the Davis Cup tie and we will be there in full force to make sure what changes we set out to do in Indian tennis happens.”

Mahesh Bhupathi “I’m glad the ITPA is formed and I’m looking forward to the first meeting. It is great to have a platform where people who are truly connected to the sport have a chance to discuss the future and identity the best way forward for the sport.”

Key founding members: Jaideep Mukerjea, Mahesh Bhupathi, Karti Chidambaram, Somdev Devvarman, Rohan Bopanna, Enrico Piperno, Manisha Malhotra, Prahalad Srinath, Aditya Sachdeva and Mustafa Ghouse.

WHAT IS ITPA?

Modelled around the ATP (the Association of Tennis Professionals), the ITPA, a Section 25 Company, a non-profit association, is a body floated as a platform to represent the professional interests of tennis players across the country.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Sports> Tennis / by Manjula Veerappa / DC / March 31st, 2013