Chinese tennis parents play role well

Beijing: Other than the sprawling tennis facilities available here in the Chinese capital, it has been a heartening experience to witness the involvement of parents in the development of their children into the sport.

Zhang Ze in men’s tennis is not a flash in the pan anymore, and neither is the now-established French Open champion Li Na. Or, for that matter, players like Jie Zhang, Shuai Zhang, Qiang Wang or Saisai Zheng. There is a full roster of players out there capable of easing into the normal routine of the ATP and WTA Tours.

So, admirably, someone must have done something right at some point of time. There can be no doubt about this if one considers the amount of money that is being ploughed into the sport here.

But what is even more encouraging is the role played by the “supporting cast” that predominantly includes parents and coaches.

On the sidelines of the China Open, I saw young kids just go out there and enjoy their time on court. Their parents are always around, intently watching and taking everything in, but at no point interfering with the coaching staff.

I have personally known so many tennis players and their parents in the UAE, and suffice to say we are yet to inculcate such a culture among our own, for reasons best known to all.

In his introduction to the Parents Guide to the USTA (US Tennis Association), Tom Gullikson speaks about “the annals of tennis filled with stories of overbearing tennis parents at all levels”.

The former player goes on to suggest that “it is possible to be both a parent who coaches and a parent who supports, while making it a rewarding experience for everyone”.

“The key to doing this is understanding your role — as a parent, coach and supporter. Often when parents and offspring come together in pursuit of sports, all perspective, as well as fun, goes out of the window,” Gullikson said.

“Not every child is going to be a Pete Sampras or Venus Williams. Your role may change over the course of your child’s tennis playing years, but you should never lose sight of the fact that you are first and foremost a parent and that your child needs your love, support, and guidance.”

Need I say any more?