Interview with upcoming Indian tennis player Divij Sharan

Divij Sharan, the promising 23-year-old tennis player from Delhi forms a part of the rising wave of young tennis players emerging in our country. Sportskeeda team got in touch with the attacking left-hander, and the interview threw up some interesting facts about the man:

Q: We have heard that you started playing tennis when you were 7. When did you start thinking of tennis as a career?

Divij: It’s been a process. At every stage I’ve had moments of encouragement like playing for the Under-13 Delhi team, then for the Indian Under-14 team. But I guess I decided on going pro after playing the four Junior (Under-18) Grand slams.

Q: Being a left-hander, do you feel you have a certain advantage over your opponents?

Divij: There are very few left-handers as compared to right-handers so one can say that playing against a lefty is a unique challenge. Also, being a Serve & Volleyer kind of adds to the surprise element a player like me can bring to the table.J

Q: You have always been a good doubles player. Of late, you have turned in some impressive singles performances. Is this a result of some specific strategy or training?

Divij: I had a Career-Best ranking in Singles in 2007 but due to some injuries I slipped a bit in the rankings. Now that I have recovered, I have had a good run in some of the tournaments and I hope to catch up on my ranking and improve further.

Q: In recent years, players have started to rely more on power than grace and style. What’s your view on this?

Divij: Technology and specialization have obviously reached a new level. The newer rackets help generate a lot more power than the wooden rackets used to earlier. Also, the emphasis on fitness in different sports has taken a new dimension altogether. Off–field training and gym exercises have led to higher levels of performance. To have grace and style along with power and fitness would be the ultimate advantage. Federer is the best example of such a player.

Q: Are you excited about the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG)? How do you think the Indian tennis team will perform?

Divij: This is the 1st time that tennis has been included in the CWG and it is very exciting that the Games are being held in India. Our team has made the World Group in Davis Cup this year for the 1st time in 11 years so I think we have a very good chance to win some medals.

Q: Apart from tennis, what are your interests?

Divij: I like surfing the internet, reading, hanging out with friends whenever I get time. I also enjoy singing and playing soccer.

Q: Do you think there is enough support from the sports authorities for tennis to grow in India? What else needs to be done?

Divij: I think Tennis is in a better situation than quite a lot of other sports played in India. But then it is an expensive sport and if we need to have top-ranked players in the world there is scope for a lot of support and help that can be provided to the players. The CWG being held in India will hopefully provide significant impetus to the sport; the new Tennis Stadium coming up and the support provided by SAI for the CWG probables to participate in some of the training programs and tournaments will only help the growth of the game in the country.

Q: How well do you think the sponsors have performed in promoting the sport in India?

Divij: The irony is that most of the times sponsorships are available to players who have reached the top level but it is a struggle for those who are striving to get there. I am grateful to Reebok for their support since my junior years. Also being on the payroll of Indian Oil for the last couple of years has been a great help.