Courting the game

GAME FOR MORE Tennis is a passion forever for Liza and Anjan photos: (cover and above) K. Gopinathan

T hey love tennis and so it was not surprising they chose to name their fledgling tennis academy Tennis Forever. Me

Anjan Viplav and Liza Viplav (nee Periera), two former National tennis stars, who have turned coaches and run the

tennis training centre in North Bangalore on the BIAL Airport Road.

Choosing to set up a tennis academy was a non-brainer for the couple. “I played tennis for over two decades and Liz

has been playing since she was four,” says Anjan, a strapping six footer with a big serve. “After our marriage five yea

ago, this was always on our minds and we are fortunate that we were able to realise that dream.” Liza, who was nati

junior champion in the under-14, under-16 and under-18 categories, besides winner of few ITF women’s tournamen

agrees. “It was a logical decision. I had to take a decision about what to do with my life. Given the lack of financial

support, I was not keen on continuing to play. When I married Anjan, who was also my coach, we thought this would

be a good idea.”

Talking about overcoming the hurdles that come along with setting up an academy, Anjan says: “I had played the ga

at a high level, been the University (Osmania) and Services champion when I was in the Defence Forces. I always ha

love for teaching and worked through the ITF Level I and II courses. As a coach, I had stints with Team Tennis in D

Mahesh Bhupathi Academy and the High Performance Tennis Centre of the KSLTA, besides coaching in the U.S. fo

five years. Liza and I started this academy three years ago with support of some eminent persons, close friends and

wishers. I am blessed that I have such a support.”

With four courts, Anjan and Liza cater to various sections, from beginners to advanced players, besides adults, and

ensure that everyone gets individual attention.

“Youngsters mainly come to play for fitness and recreation,” says Anjan. “That is a good thing, because there is no

better way to keep fit than play a good game of tennis. At least 15 of my students play regularly in all-India events.”

Talking about Liza’s contribution, Anjan says, “Liza has been a pillar of strength. Her dedication and discipline rubs

on the trainees. Liza makes Tennis Forever different from other academies. In no other centre will you find a forme

National champion slog from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. like Liza does apart from spending quality time with our two little

daughters.”

For Liza, the work is like a stroll in the park. “I just enjoy doing it. What you need is a lot of patience. When you lov

what you do, it is not a problem.”

There is tendency among coaches to dream of expanding their academies and set up more centres, but the couple ar

against it. “Having too many centres is a distraction,” Anjan says firmly.

“You cannot give a quality time to your students.”

With their entire day spent on court, there’s very little time for anything else. “It might sound boring, but we just do

have anything else on our minds, admits Anjan. “We coach Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, we ta

to the court again and play against each other. That is our relaxation.” The dynamic duo have friends calling on them

and occasional family outings.

Apart from tennis, their world revolves around their two little daughters, Lizanne and Elisa.

“They love coming to court with us and we have two little racquets. Whether they want to become tennis players, it

be their choice. My dad was a top scientist and I became a tennis player, so one never knows,” says Anjan.

For Liza, her daughters are her “biggest stress buster. When I get home, the girls jump over me and we get into a

huddle and all the day’s troubles are gone.”