When only doubles rankings were considered for entry, doubles players dominated.
New Delhi, Veteran Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna has said that the presence of singles players in the doubles draw is good for the game as it attracts more fans to the stadium and helps promote the doubles format. Singles matches are the center of attraction in any tournament but day by day doubles format is also becoming more competitive as top singles players are also playing in it making doubles matches more exciting and tough.
When only doubles rankings were considered for entry, doubles players dominated. But even looking at the singles rankings, top singles players have also started playing doubles, making it difficult for doubles players to maintain dominance. Bopanna said that it cannot be said with certainty whether it is good or bad but the presence of singles players makes for an advantage.
read also
Asked if it would not be better if only doubles experts are allowed to play in this format, Bopanna said, “It is a strange situation. Many singles players play doubles matches to improve their game. (Dennis) Shapovalov (Bopanna’s partner) loves to play doubles and at the same time he is learning a lot, be it accuracy in returns or volleys or returns, which helps him a lot in singles.”
“Today I know that entry to all tournaments is getting increasingly difficult because there are a lot of singles players also playing doubles,” he said. India’s top doubles player said, “It will be great for doubles players if the old rule which only considered doubles rankings was considered but that is not going to change.” That is why it is extremely important to maintain rankings while playing at the top level, otherwise it will be difficult to make it to the 500 and 1000 level tournaments.”
Bopanna will challenge his compatriot Ramkumar Ramanathan at the Tata Open Maharashtra. The issue has been debated in the past when doubles players felt that singles players were taking their place. Singles players get a chance to practice and refine the game by playing doubles matches but doubles players are dependent on this format only. Recently, India’s Arjun Kadhe said that he has decided to focus more on doubles and top singles player Yuki Bhambri also said that he will actively challenge in the doubles format.
Bopanna expressed hope that some young players from the current generation will soon take the responsibility on their shoulders. Bopanna, who won the mixed doubles Grand Slam, said India also needs ATP 250 events on its circuit along with Challengers and ITF futures.