Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj has highlighted the dramatic transformation of professional tennis, observing that the sport has undergone a generational change since his playing days.
Speaking with N. Ram at the Sportstar Hangout in Chennai on October 21, 2026, Amritraj shared his views on how tennis has evolved across several areas, including court surfaces, equipment, playing styles, pay parity and player earnings.
Amritraj retired from professional tennis in 1993 after a career spanning more than two decades. During his time on the international circuit, the sport operated in a considerably different environment, with playing conditions and professional opportunities unlike those available to today's athletes.
Over the years, advances in racket technology, changes in court surfaces and developments in physical training have influenced how modern players approach the game. Contemporary tennis increasingly demands a combination of power, speed, endurance and tactical adaptability.
The financial landscape has also changed significantly. Professional tennis now offers greater commercial opportunities through sponsorships, broadcasting deals, prize money and global tournaments. Discussions around pay parity and the distribution of earnings remain important aspects of the sport's development.
Amritraj's reflections offer an opportunity to compare different eras of tennis and understand how technological innovation, professionalisation and changing audience expectations have reshaped the game.
His perspective is particularly relevant as tennis continues to evolve, with modern athletes benefiting from improved equipment, sports science and extensive support teams.
The former Indian star's observations underline how dramatically professional tennis has changed over the decades. While the fundamentals of the sport remain the same, the conditions, competitive demands and financial opportunities surrounding it have developed considerably.
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