The game has changed. But more than the game, it’s the dress sense of players that has undergone a change, writes Joe Williams.
MUMBAI: Tennis has changed over the years. And also the kind of dress the women players wear. The game has surely benefited from the changing styles. DNA spoke to former India women players about the game in general and the outfits in particular.
Araithi Natekar, a former India player, quit the game in 1997. She is the wife of the former Davis Cupper Gaurav Natekar
“The only regret is that I did not get to play Asian Games when I was one of the top two players in the country as I quit the game a year before. It is a different sport altogether. The dresses have have more colourful and spectator friendly. I wish I am still playing. There is more money coming in which was not there then, and as a former player I envy. At the same time I am happy that it is doing a world of good for the sport. “
Janaki Krishnamoorthy last played competitive tennis in 2001. Now she is a businesswoman.
“I’ve no regrets. The game has changed in all departments. Hitting the ball hard has been one of many changes, and above all it is the outfits which has given a new look to the game. It has become more colourful. But Indian tennis has to see many summers before reaching the world level. But we’re matching the world in the the dress. There is not much of a difference between Sania Mirza and Maria Sharapova although game-wise there is a huge gap between the players. I did wear short skirts but nowadays the skirts have become shorter. I don’t blame anybody. It is the need of time which has brought about the change.”
Radhika Kanitkar, a former international and now a qualified coach. “Earlier, it was all white and no colour when I used to play the game. Now the skirts have become shorter but they have given a major lift for women’s tennis. It is a good sign as there is more media attention.”
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