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Sports
India may quit Davis Cup after December, Rajpal calls for player‑centric reforms
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 27 Sep 2026, 04:33 AM
👁 13
Indian tennis administrator Rajpal signalled a possible Davis Cup withdrawal after December and urged a revamp of the sport focused on players' needs.
The head of the All India Tennis Association, Rajpal, indicated that India could pull out of the Davis Cup competition after the December tie, citing persistent structural issues within the sport. He said the current system does not adequately serve the interests of Indian players and that a comprehensive, player‑centric overhaul is essential for future success.
In a statement to The Economic Times, Rajpal highlighted the lack of clear pathways for talent development, insufficient financial support, and limited exposure to high‑level international matches as key shortcomings. He urged the governing bodies to engage directly with athletes to redesign training programs, funding mechanisms, and selection criteria.
While no final decision on the Davis Cup exit has been made, the remarks have sparked debate among stakeholders about the best strategy to elevate Indian tennis on the global stage. The association is expected to convene a meeting with coaches, players and sponsors in the coming weeks to discuss the proposed reforms.
If implemented, the suggested changes could reshape the sport’s administration, potentially improving performance in future tournaments and restoring confidence among emerging players.
In a statement to The Economic Times, Rajpal highlighted the lack of clear pathways for talent development, insufficient financial support, and limited exposure to high‑level international matches as key shortcomings. He urged the governing bodies to engage directly with athletes to redesign training programs, funding mechanisms, and selection criteria.
While no final decision on the Davis Cup exit has been made, the remarks have sparked debate among stakeholders about the best strategy to elevate Indian tennis on the global stage. The association is expected to convene a meeting with coaches, players and sponsors in the coming weeks to discuss the proposed reforms.
If implemented, the suggested changes could reshape the sport’s administration, potentially improving performance in future tournaments and restoring confidence among emerging players.