Former national player Feby Widhiyanto, who took the role of non-playing captain in the Davis Cup, revealed that the biggest hurdle in the development of Indonesian tennis is a lack of domestic tournaments.

This year, the Indonesian Tennis Association (PELTI) has scheduled 21 national tournaments and seven internationals for the junior level. In the senior category, the association has listed at least five national tournaments.

However, in the men’s division, Indonesia only has the Combiphar Tennis Open as the sole regular international competition. The open, of which the 2019 edition was held in three series last month, is part of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) men’s world tour and categorized as level M15. Each series has a total of US$15,000 in prize money.

Having more national and international tournaments in the country means there are more chances for the sports federation to build and shape athletes. At the highest level of such a development program, successful athletes are expected to nurture their juniors to keep the sport alive.

National player Anthony Susanto said having more international tournaments in the country could help players collect points to participate in events abroad.

“International tournaments that are held in the country give us access to getting wild cards or saving us a spot as qualifiers – that really helps. The tournament also makes us familiar with the atmosphere of international competition,” he said.

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