“My Dream Is to Produce World-Class Tennis Players from Chandigarh”: Portuguese Tennis Coach Marco Seruca
Says Chandigarh Can Become India’s Tennis Hub with Proper Vision and Support
Chandigarh, September 8, 2025:
Former Portuguese Davis Cup player and internationally acclaimed tennis coach Marco Saruca expressed his strong belief that Chandigarh has the potential to produce world-class professional tennis players. Addressing a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club, Saruca emphasized that with the right infrastructure and professional training, the city could become the tennis hub of India.
National Centre of Tennis Excellence Proposed
Marco announced his intention to propose the establishment of a National Centre of Tennis Excellence in Chandigarh, contingent on a conducive environment for positive change. He shared that he would soon meet Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Mr. Gulab Chand Kataria to present his detailed plan.
“I firmly believe that under Mr. Kataria’s guidance, my team and I can make this dream a reality,” Saruca stated.
Need for Professionalism and Transparency in CLTA
Highlighting his concerns, Saruca pointed out that the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) has not been serious about nurturing real talent. He disclosed that this lack of commitment led to his resignation from the post of Technical Director (Coaching) at CLTA.
“The management needs to be more professional and transparent if we truly want to develop world-class players,” he said.
Strong Infrastructure, But Need for Vision
According to Marco, Sector 10 Tennis Stadium has solid infrastructure but lacks a structured player development plan. He emphasized the need for an honest and visionary management to transform the facility into a model National Tennis Centre.
“A well-structured training environment is essential for players to develop strong fundamentals, right from the grassroots level,” he added.
Ongoing Training at MS Star Academy
Marco has been running the MS Star Academy in Chandigarh for the past three years, where he and his team train young talent with a European-style high-performance program. Notably, under his mentorship, Ribhav Saroha has become India’s No. 1 Under-16 tennis player.
Joining Marco at the press conference were Head Coach Roshan Lal and Coach Satish Kumar, both of whom support his vision for transforming Chandigarh’s tennis scene.
Administrative Pressure on CLTA
The current CLTA management is reportedly under pressure due to alleged lease violations. The Chandigarh Administration has issued a show-cause notice, and sources suggest that the lease, which expires on September 10, 2025, may not be renewed.
This situation, Marco suggested, could create an opportunity to bring in new leadership and turn the stadium into a world-class training hub.
Marco Saruca’s Comprehensive Player Development Model
“We believe in a holistic training approach that combines technical, physical, strategic, and mental development,” Marco explained.
He emphasized that a true academy must function with clear philosophy and structure, offering athletes a path to compete at the highest international level.
Key Pillars of Marco Saruca’s Tennis Development Program
- Foundational Skills: Focus on correct technique, footwork, and balance from the beginner level.
- Technical Mastery: Emphasis on shot accuracy, pace variation, and consistency.
- Strategic Growth: Teaching game strategy, adaptability, and intelligent play.
- Physical & Mental Preparation: Building stamina, agility, and mental resilience to handle competition pressure.
- Holistic Development: Integration of coaching, fitness, nutrition, and psychological support into a unified program.
- Global Exposure: Providing players with opportunities to participate in international competitions.
