The Start of a New Era?

Until last Saturday, tennis hadn’t seen an Asian grand slam winner. Li Na, born in Wuhen, Hubei, China, changed this by winning the French Open and has changed the face of Asian tennis forever. Up until now we’ve seen the occasional Asian player threaten the world’s elite group of players, Zheng Jie in the women’s game and Paradorn Srichapan briefly entering the world’s top ten in the men’s game. However, given Asia’s vast population, one may have expected a greater number of players hitting the headlines in the world game.

In Asia and in China in particular, particular attention has been paid to all racket sports except tennis. Asia has practically ruled the worlds of Badminton and Table Tennis for a good while now and many had predicted that it was only a matter of time before tennis was added to this list. It has taken longer than many thought, but have we now reached this time?

Having worked directly with several Asian families, what is absolutely evident is the vital attribute in life, to continually strive to become the best. This facet is without doubt the key to becoming top of any sport. To become the best, one must never settle for anything except perfection, but can anything be completely perfect? Is a 150mph serve out wide the best one can achieve, why not 151mph with more spin, more deception and better technique?

It is well documented that the work ethic within Asian families is particularly fierce, not a moment is spared when it comes to training, most notably when their offspring is involved. This work ethic is ideal if one is to try and produce the next global superstar.

Seeing this endeavour leaves me with no doubt whatsoever that we shall soon an influx of Asian players in both the men’s and women top 50.

People have often suggested that a lack of physical prowess may hinder the development of top tennis athletes within Asia. I would like to dismiss these sentiments as nonsense. China has developed top hurdlers and top basketball players, all of whom possess the so called “required physical attributes” to become a top tennis player, and there is no reason why men or women such as these won’t in the future be pursuing a career in tennis.