Top-50 nearly impossible for Indians: Piperno

Bengaluru, February 5

Advertisement

India’s former Davis Cup and Fed Cup coach Enrico Piperno feels it is nearly impossible for India to produce world-class talent to make the top-50 as there is neither funding nor infrastructure to produce a bankable talent. “It is almost impossible now, Somdev (Devvarman) came close at No. 62,” said Piperno. “The reason is, where is the support, where is the funding, where’s the infrastructure? Where are the kids to bank on?” he asked.

Piperno said there was a big difference between the facilities available in India and elsewhere. “Just compare the way it is done in Australia, and see what we have in Patiala, the 1960s kind of systems. You can’t blame the athletes,” he said.

Piperno said even the doubles scene does not look very bright for India. “See, Leander (Paes) came into the picture, then Mahesh (Bhupathi), and then Rohan (Bopanna). Once Rohan goes, we will have few youngsters close to the top-100. To break into the top-100 is really tough. I don’t see anyone (doing that) at present,” he said.

However, Piperno feels things are changing slowly with the entry of private players. “A few tennis trusts here and they are providing good facilities to the athletes. It’s helping,” he said. “The government still believes that providing air tickets to sportspersons is enough to promote sports.” — PTI