‘Pakistan tennis has a long way to go’

Indian ends his 35-day coaching stint today.

LAHORE:

Indian tennis coach Birbal Wadhera has warned Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) that it still had plenty of work to do and guard against complacency despite Aisamul Haq Qureshi representing the country internationally.

Wadhera, who was hired by the federation to train Pakistan’s top five women and junior players, ends his 35-day coaching stint today where he also worked with players participating in the Davis Cup.

“I had a very useful stint with only a handful of negatives to share,” Birbal told The Express Tribune.

“I’m quite sure people will be able to notice the vast difference in tennis after I leave.”

Wadhera did express his concerns over the temperament of the players who think that they are doing well but given the lack of fierce competition that exists for top players in the country, their skills are not fully tested.

“At all levels in Pakistan, players perceive they are doing well but they have plenty of work to do as they do not have stiff competition. Tennis is not as popular as cricket and once Aisam and Aqeel leave, there will be a vacuum.”

‘System needs changing’

Wadhera admitted that the real work was with the system as the PTF had failed in its bid to have adequate backup.

“While I was working with the players, I felt that the real work lies with the system which needs to improve its functioning,” he said.

“The federation needs to give the players a system with a complete strategy to build them as better tennis players.”

He also urged the players to concentrate on their form and  fitness.

“There is very little emphasis on fitness. They should understand that it will make them better players.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2011.