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Tennis Life: Real talk on training and development

byArnav Alok GoelOnline & across India; In-person at Barakhamba Road & MehrauliStarts from3,500 per session (60 mins)View full gallery

A career in tennis is serious business, but if you don't find the humor in the grind, you'll burn out. These clips show the reality of the Indian tennis ecosystem, because keeping it real is part of the game.

When a parent tells me the academy is too far from their house, I have to remind them it's still closer than Wimbledon. You have to decide: comfort or career?

This is for every player who has been practicing for months and just wants to know, "Sir, when can I go to the tournament?" A little fun with a classic movie dialogue.

My reaction when someone who just started training asks me "result kab aayega?" (when will the result come?). Patience is the most important part of the game.

Trying to use logic to win an argument with Indian parents about playing sports versus studying. It's a battle every athlete knows well.

Our Italian itinerary: Tennis, food, and proving that we can do more than just business. Having some fun on the court in Italy.

My two favorite things: the soil of my country, India, and this European clay. There's nothing quite like playing on a proper clay court.

This is my formal, and very sarcastic, apology to all the parents, relatives, and coaches for empowering players with clarity and ambition.

A repeat of the funny "Wimbledon is farther" skit. Sometimes you have to make the point twice.

About Tennis Life: The Lighter Side

I see parents and players constantly chasing local trophies while ignoring the actual building blocks of their game. If you are going to ask me 'result kab aayega' (when will the result come), my answer is simple: results only happen when your level rises, not when you hoard medals. If you are ready to stop chasing shortcuts and start building a real, sustainable career, let's talk about the process.

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