Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Game, set, match
|
Vijay Amritraj talks to KALYAN ASHOK about the changes in tennis, the fun of acting in movies and the joy of being Indian
|
Photo: Murali Kumar K.
India abroad Vijay Amritraj: ‘Every time I come back, I feel all charged’
Vijay Amritraj is not just India’s most successful tennis player, but also a multi-faceted legend. Life after an active tennis career has been great for the 54-year-old affable champ from Chennai. Vijay has successfully donned the role of commentator and soon became lead anchor for Grand Slam events. His love of humanity made the former UN Secretary General Kofi Anann to appoint him ‘Messeger of Peace’ in 2001.Vijay Amritraj, who was in Bangalore to promote the Good Earth Super Series Junior Tennis Tournament, spoke to MetroPlus on tennis and other interests. The excerpts:
What do you think is the most significant change in world tennis?
If I speak from my generation’s perspective, it has to be the surface. Grass is gone and slower hard courts dominate.
Do you see any innovations in tennis?
The best thing that has happened to tennis is the tie-breaker. We now have the electronic Hawkeye which cuts the margin of error. But I hope there is no further change in rules, format or the game.
What is your reaction to reports of drug abuse in tennis?
Tell me in a sport like tennis, where a player has to be in peak condition on the circuit for 10 to 11 months, is it possible to use drugs? It will finish them forever and I don’t think any sane person will do drugs. There may be stray cases, but none of the leading players would be crazy enough to try it.
What are your thoughts on equal play for women players?
Let us get this clear. Men’s and women’s tennis are different as chalk and cheese. When you talk of gender equality, you have to think of the amount of effort that goes into both sides of the gender divide. But again, a Maria Sharapova makes much more money than some of the top men players like in Hollywood where Julia Roberts earns more than Russell Crowe.
Talking of Hollywood, you worked in movies like “Octopussy”, and “Star Trek IV”. Was it just for a lark ?
I love movies and I am unabashed movie buff and acting in movies like “Octopussy” was loads of fun and I wouldn’t mind doing it all over again, if I get an opportunity.
Do you have any unfulfilled wish?
By God’s grace, I have none. I have enjoyed my game and life after tennis and I have donned different roles as Goodwill Ambassador of the UN and TV commentator. I thank God for keeping me busy and allowing me to enjoy whatever I am doing.
Can you tell us something about your role as Messenger of Peace.
It was a very rewarding experience. I visited places afflicted by human conflicts and natural calamities like Bosnia and Africa. It helped me to understand the other side of life. That is why we founded Vijay Amritraj Foundation, an NGO based in USA to raise funds for charity work in India about 15 months ago.
Is there any particular moment which you cherish as a commentator?
There have been many memorable moments. I try not only to give insights into the game and the players but also toget people who are not really interested, into watching tennis.
Then there are many post-match interviews I enjoyed doing. The most memorable of those was during the Australian open, when Pete Sampras was at his peak. I had asked Pete, the most memorable match that he had ever watched and he said: ‘I watched a youngster beat Rod Laver in five sets in 1973 US Open. It was an amazing match and the youngster was you!’”
What do you with your spare time?
I enjoy going to the movies. I can watch movie a day. I enjoy playing golf and I do get to play lot of charity golf in the US and I like hanging out with my boys and doing charity work.
How does it feel to come home?
It is my business and tennis commitments that keep me in Los Angeles and I enjoy my stay there. I love straddling both sides of the world, but every time I come back here, I feel all charged, this is where I was born and had best of my growing up years.
I still hold an Indian passport and wherever I am, none can take away that Indianness in me.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
