22 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Indian tennis legend Vijay Amritraj believes the sport has undergone a significant generational transformation, with changes in court surfaces, equipment, playing techniques, player fitness and professional earnings reshaping modern tennis.
Amritraj shared his views during a conversation with N. Ram, director of The Hindu, at a Sportstar Hangout event held at The Hindu’s headquarters in Chennai on October 21. The former world No. 16 reflected on how the game has evolved since he retired from professional tennis in 1993 after a career spanning more than two decades.
The 72-year-old, who won 15 tour-level titles and has remained involved in tennis administration and development, discussed the differences between the game he played and the modern professional circuit.
Serve-and-Volley Tennis Has Lost Its Prominence
One of the biggest changes highlighted by Amritraj was the decline of serve-and-volley tennis, a playing style that was central to his generation.
In serve-and-volley tennis, players approach the net immediately after serving or hitting a shot, seeking to finish points with volleys rather than engage in lengthy baseline rallies.
Amritraj observed that this approach has become less common as modern tennis increasingly favours powerful baseline play. Players now rely heavily on strong groundstrokes, physical endurance and the ability to maintain long rallies from the back of the court.
He also pointed to changes in Wimbledon’s grass courts, arguing that the playing surface has become slower than it was during his professional career.
According to Amritraj, the slower conditions have reduced the advantage traditionally enjoyed by serve-and-volley players. The evolution of court surfaces has consequently influenced tactics and altered the way professional tennis matches are played.
Equipment and Court Conditions Have Changed the Game
Amritraj also discussed how modern equipment and playing conditions have transformed tennis.
He highlighted the role of racket technology, tennis balls and court surfaces in shaping contemporary playing styles. Changes in these areas have contributed to a game in which players can generate considerable power and spin from the baseline.
He also pointed to the increasing average height of professional players and the effect of higher-bouncing courts on match strategy.
According to Amritraj, these developments have changed the technical demands of the sport. Players are now required to adapt to powerful shots, higher ball trajectories and physically demanding rallies.
He contrasted modern two-handed backhands with the more traditional techniques commonly used during his playing days, illustrating how equipment and training methods have influenced the evolution of tennis.
Amritraj Raises Concerns Over Player Injuries
The former Indian tennis star also expressed concern about the physical demands placed on modern players.
He argued that the emphasis on power has affected the way players strike the ball, placing considerable stress on different parts of the body, including the shoulder, elbow and wrist.
Amritraj suggested that the more forceful hitting techniques commonly seen today can increase physical strain compared with the smoother, more graceful strokes he associated with his generation.
His observations come amid continuing discussions in professional tennis about player workload, injury prevention and the increasingly demanding nature of the international calendar.
Modern players compete across different surfaces, travel frequently between tournaments and are expected to maintain high performance levels throughout much of the year.
Managing physical recovery has therefore become an important part of professional tennis, alongside technical skills, tactical preparation and mental conditioning.
Packed Tennis Calendar Remains a Concern
Amritraj also addressed complaints about the demanding professional tennis schedule, particularly among leading players.
He noted that discussions about the packed calendar often focus on players ranked among the world’s top 10. In his view, the professional tour must also provide sufficient opportunities for lower-ranked players to earn a living and continue competing.
He emphasised the importance of ATP 250 and ATP 500 tournaments, which provide opportunities for players outside the top tier to gain ranking points, prize money and valuable match experience.
The issue highlights a wider challenge facing professional tennis: balancing the physical demands on established stars with the financial sustainability of tournaments and the needs of players further down the rankings.
For many lower-ranked professionals, competing regularly is essential to covering travel, coaching, accommodation and training expenses.
Player Earnings and Equality in Tennis
The conversation also touched on broader changes in professional tennis, including player earnings and pay parity.
Over the years, tennis has developed into a global commercial sport, with major tournaments, sponsorship agreements, broadcasting deals and endorsement opportunities contributing to its growth.
Amritraj’s reflections highlighted how the professional environment has changed alongside the sport itself. Today’s players operate in a different financial and commercial landscape from the one he experienced during his career.
Discussions about pay parity, prize money distribution and opportunities across different levels of the tour remain important parts of the sport’s development.
Vijay Amritraj’s Lasting Connection With Tennis
Despite retiring in 1993, Amritraj has remained closely connected to the sport through administration, public engagement and tennis development.
He previously served as president of the ATP Player Council from 1989 to 1993 and is currently president of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association. He is also a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan.
His experience across different eras gives him a perspective on the technical, commercial and organisational changes that have shaped modern tennis.
Amritraj’s comments offer a reminder that tennis continues to evolve with advances in equipment, changing playing conditions and the growing physical demands of professional competition.