At the recent press conference announcing the return of the Chennai Open WTA 250, Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) President and Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj took the opportunity to highlight the resounding success of the state’s junior player development initiative, “The Next Level.”
Speaking with absolute completeness on the program, Amritraj detailed how this initiative is transforming the landscape of grassroots tennis in Tamil Nadu and actively preparing the next generation of athletes for the global stage.
Leadership and a Long-Term Vision
Amritraj emphasized that developing talent in junior tennis for both boys and girls is a “long haul.” He credited the dedicated leadership team driving the initiative on the ground, specifically noting that Vivek heads up the program, while Rajeev was praised for doing a “spectacular job” managing its day-to-day operations.
The success of “The Next Level” has generated tremendous enthusiasm across the state’s sporting community. According to Amritraj, this momentum has motivated a surge of young kids wanting to get on board, prompting the TNTA to look into expanding the program’s reach to include even more young boys and girls.
Unprecedented Sponsorship and Comprehensive Support
A critical pillar of the program’s success has been its “incredible sponsor.” The initiative is proudly supported by Bajaj Finserv, who recently stepped up as the Platinum Sponsor for the Chennai Open.
Described as India’s only comprehensive player development program of its kind, “The Next Level” is designed to eliminate the financial and logistical barriers that often hinder promising athletes. The sponsorship ensures that every aspect of a player’s development is fully funded, providing crucial support in the following areas:
- Expert coaching and world-class training
- Fitness conditioning and rehabilitation
- Professional-grade equipment and kits
- Travel assistance and tournament participation
Rising Stars and Grand Slam Ambitions
The comprehensive backing is already yielding tangible results. Amritraj proudly stated that the players emerging from this initiative have been performing remarkably well in recent tournaments, declaring that “the sky is the limit for them.”
Currently, the program looks after the holistic training and travel of nine handpicked players—five girls and four boys. Among the standout talents is Diya Ramesh, who has already participated at the junior Australian Open and Wimbledon, reaching the rank of No. 2 in India. On the boys’ side, Rohit Hari Balaji is also delivering highly impressive performances.
With the ultimate goal of competing at the highest echelons of the sport, Amritraj noted that the TNTA is firmly targeting the junior draws of the four Grand Slams for these young athletes.
A Thriving Ecosystem
The growth of “The Next Level” program perfectly aligns with the broader vision of the Tamil Nadu Government and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). As highlighted by Sports Secretary Thiru Sandeep Nanduri during the press conference, the state is heavily investing in sports infrastructure, including the establishment of 10 Olympic Centres of Excellence.
By bringing marquee international events like the WTA 250 back to Chennai and simultaneously investing in grassroots initiatives like “The Next Level,” the TNTA and the state government are ensuring that young talents not only have the inspiration to dream big, but also the world-class support system required to turn those dreams into reality.