Amazing to see Thandi bounce back from injuries: Bopanna

Rohan Bopanna in Andheri on Tuesday. Pic/Atul Kamble; (right) Karman Kaur Thandi. Pic/Getty Images

Former World No. 1 men's doubles ace Rohan Bopanna has praised India's leading women's tennis player Karman Kaur Thandi, 27, and expressed hope that she can make a deep run into the Grand Slams. On Monday, Thandi qualified for the women's singles qualifying draw at the French Open.

"She's [Thandi] has had some major setbacks with injuries, so to see her name back on the tennis circuit, is amazing. I'm glad she's playing the French Open because, for any Indian, when you read another Indian's name at the highest level, that's when the inspiration happens. I really hope she goes far at Grand Slams. [I hope she] keeps playing at the highest level and pushes all the limits. She knows what she needs to keep [developing]," Bopanna, 46, told mid-day on the sidelines of a promotional event for the Tennis Premier League at the Celebrations Sports Club, Andheri, on Tuesday.

When asked why India is struggling to develop top tennis players, the former French Open and Australian Open-winner said: "We've not invested as a country in having all of us [tennis players] as part of a program, to take the same pathway and build on it. From my [Rohan Bopanna Tennis] Academy's perspective, I'm trying to see where I can give them support, and create a pathway [for young players]."

Meanwhile Bangalore-based Bopanna, an avid cricket follower, said that he's a RCB fan. "I'm enjoying the IPL now since RCB's doing well. I expect them to win the title."