Shikha Uberoi unplugged: Indian women in tennis and beyond

She is one of the rare sportswomen of India who never needs any introduction. Now seamlessly balancing tennis with TV shows, social work and other events; multi-tasking seems to be the forte of this strong and exuberant lady. Talking to Sportskeeda, Shikha Uberoi speaks out her mind on a wide range of topics – from the current void in Indian women’s tennis to her intended comeback; from the misogyny in our patriarchal society to the benefits of US collegiate tennis; and from her favorites at French Open 2013 to her interactions with Ajay Maken.

Excerpts:

Rajorshi: As someone who has seen and done it all, how you feel when you see our Fed Cup team being relegated every alternate year ever since the Sports Ministry came up with the Passport rule? Does that make you feel sad or angry that you can’t play when the country needs you most?

Shikha: I have been awfully sad and hurt by this ruling. It’s always sad for anyone not to be able to represent their country. Had I been given the chance, we could have maintained our position in Group I and maybe even made the World Group. Sania and I were so close at times. I think I played my best matches while representing the country and had one of the best records.

Rajorshi: Yes. In fact, I remember Sania Mirza saying during 2010 Asian Games that she and you hardly faced any competition till the final in the 2006 edition.

Shikha: Right. The final was a tough match. We could have won gold. But I am proud of the silver.

Rajorshi: Why do you think the men’s side was not much affected by the ruling?

Shikha: I think there were always more male players who had a shot at making it big, like Karan Rastogi, Divij Sharan or Rohan Bopanna. The girls were less in quantity, I guess. And basically among the men, only Prakash was affected. But in the women’s side, 3 out of maybe 9 quality players were eliminated- Sunitha, potentially Neha and myself. You know, we were right there in top 200 and playing all the slams. It’s not that we were future hopefuls or anything. We were contenders in the draws of big tournaments.

Rajorshi: But even after you and Sunitha Rao, there was this very talented group of players like Ankita Bhambri and Isha Lakhani. And suddenly they retired too. It is crazy to see this sudden vacuum.

Shikha: Yes. “Vacuum” is an appropriate word. I can’t speak for Isha or Ankita or Sanaa but it’s a valid point that you make. They could have picked up where we left, right? But then, there could be so many issues. There is always a pressure on girls to get married and continue in a mundane state of life. I do think there is a double standard in Indian society. It’s like Indian men versus Indian women. Like, how long you can go on, wear short skirts and play. The men don’t face that problem and can go on till 30 or 35.

Rajorshi: It’s interesting that you mention the age factor. Women tennis has changed a lot with players in their late 20s like Li Na, Francesca Schiavone and Samantha Stosur winning their 1st slams.

Shikha: (very excited) But Serena Williams is No 1 and she is 31 years old!

Rajorshi: Of course! But she is from a different league altogether.

Shikha: Yes! She is in a class of her own.

Rajorshi: So does that inspire you to make a comeback too, at least in doubles? You were ranked in the top 80s.

Shikha: Yes. Of course, I can make a comeback. I was playing in a few weeks in 2011 and had a fun time but I did other things too like making films while on summer break from Princeton University. I have my company that creates content for television shows. But I do think I can still play. Playing again is a priority for me. In my mind, I still represent India and to me that is what matters. I think the bigger message is that we girls can do it all- go to the best universities, host television, get married, have a family and yet play. I don’t think we need to impose any conventions upon us. It’s really important for the progression of our women.

Rajorshi: You mentioned “progression of our women”. India now has new role models in the form of Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom and Dipika Pallikal. Saina and Mary have also won medals at London Olympics. Do you think this can change the face of women sports in India?

“Its extra weird when you see how the Russian girls play for Kazakhstan and Australia. I am still born and raised in India”

Shikha: Absolutely! It already has! Women can be role models beyond Bollywood and fashion models, right? I am talking about real women like politicians, intellectuals and business tycoons. I think these are the women media should focus on. Otherwise there will be a total violation of the female mind into hypersexualizing the girl and giving her no other choice but telling her that the only way for her social upward mobility is Bollywood. So when you have a Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza or Shikha Uberoi, you are actually telling 1.2 billion people plus the diaspora worldwide that Indian women are powerful, Indian women are beautiful and Indian women can be more than just pretty faces dancing in the rain.

Rajorshi: That is quite a statement. Do you currently have any projects on Indian women as part of the Uberoi Sisters foundation?

Shikha: We are 5 sisters who care about various worldwide issues so it’s hard to focus on just one. But what Neha and I do is to be real life role models on-courts and off-courts. Lately lots of our interviews are focused on the female youth. We come from a family of 6 women and it’s an obvious thing to do. We just faced the gianormity (sic) of the Delhi rape case and its too glaring an issue to neglect.

Rajorshi: Any junior in India or of Indian origin who has caught your attention recently? How are your younger sisters doing?

Shikha: My twin sisters are getting an Ivy League education first and playing in the Brown University Team before they can decide to come on Tour. And I am yet to hear of the next girl. In fact, I want to hear of some upcoming Indian players so that I can help them and even play doubles with them. I will come home to my place at Juhu in June and and keep my eyes open. I am looking for a doubles partner. I would love to help the juniors.

Rajorshi: That’s great news for all Indian tennis fans! Why do you think good junior players often fail to make the transition to the seniors?

Shikha: Transition is tough. It’s an expensive proposition. Lots of people think that if you are good in juniors, you can make it to the seniors too. But you need lots of money, lots of support and lots of wild cards. Sania was able to do it. And with the support of corporate sponsorships, it can happen again.

Rajorshi: We have seen Somdev Devvarman coming out of US college tennis. Why don’t we see more Indian girls opting for this system?

Shikha: I don’t know why more Indian girls don’t study in the US. It’s a pity, really, because you can have free education, training and then play on the Tour. Neha and I were the first ones to do our freshman year at Princeton University and then play on Tour. I haven’t seen any WTA player manage Ivy League education and still be ranked in top 80. I feel proud about it- that I am an Indian and I did it. The American girls followed our model and it came to be known as the Uberoi model (laughs). But men can complete the entire four years and then play on Tour. Somdev did that. I also think that the schooling system and infrastructure in India are not conducive to it. We don’t have the sporting culture. US colleges want smart athletes and Indian girls are perfect; but since we don’t go, they give the scholarships to girls from Eastern Europe or China.

“So when you have a Saina Nehwal, Sania Mirza or Shikha Uberoi, you are actually telling 1.2 billion people plus the diaspora worldwide that Indian women are powerful, Indian women are beautiful and Indian women can be more than just pretty faces dancing in rain”

Rajorshi: What is your take on the recently formed Indian Tennis Players Association? Will you join it?

Shikha: I wish we had something like this earlier. Of course, it will help Indian tennis. And I would love to join but am I even considered “Indian”? (Laughs)

Rajorshi: Some people may ask why you didn’t change your passport. But is it easy to say that?

Shikha: I have an OCI card. I gave up my Indian passport as a child when my parents became US citizens so that I could live there with my family. It’s such a strange problem in a modern globalized world. Its extra weird when you see how the Russian girls play for Kazakhstan and Australia. I am still born and raised in India (gets emotional). I did my schooling here. I may have an American accent; but when I go back to India, I get parts of my Indian accent back. To the Ministry, I am still not Indian enough, I guess.

Rajorshi: Do you think AITA could have done more?

Shikha: I wish they had fought for me like I did for my country. But then it affected all sports categories and their hands were tied.

Rajorshi: Former Sports Minister Ajay Maken has been praised for the way he handled the Ministry in his term. Did you ever approach him or anyone in the Ministry regarding this?

Shikha: I am a very big fan of Ajay Maken sir. I had arranged a meeting with him a year ago and he understood my plight. It was nice to get his support.

Rajorshi: So what happened?

Shikha Uberoi: I don’t know. The fight for my right is still going on. But look, I want to make this clear that he never promised me anything. But his moral support meant a lot to me. I don’t blame him at all.

Rajorshi: Who are your favourites for the French Open 2013?

Shikha: I am a Williams sisters fan so I will always support them! And I love Roger and so I will go with him even though there may be no logic in it. (giggles)

Rajorshi: Choose the biggest moments of your career- two each in singles and doubles.

Shikha: In doubles, reaching the Sunfeast Open final in 2005 with Neha and- (thinking)

Rajorshi: How about your win over Ai Sugiyama/Daniela Hantuchova in Stanford 2006?

Shikha: That’s so funny! I was thinking about it too! (laughs). In singles, it would be the USO 2004 match against Venus and winning the silver in Asian Games. No, wait! I think winning my 1st Fed Cup match for India was really special. I don’t remember who I played but it was in Delhi and I had won 6-0 6-0!

Rajorshi: Yes. You were the star performer that year. So, we will be seeing you on court soon, right?

Shikha: Yes. But I have this new venture lined up about which I can’t disclose much now. I would give it a few years and maybe play side by side.

Rajorshi: And no plans to settle down, I hope?

Shikha: No way! I will be training in Mumbai and get a doubles partner. I am looking forward to make my comeback. Let’s see.