Former Indian tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi. (PTI)

Indian tennis is currently at “ground zero”, Mahesh Bhupathi believes; he feels the only way is up.

Targeting player development, the former doubles world No.1 has filed a nomination for the All India Tennis Association’s (AITA) Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM) election.

Bhupathi is one of eight candidates — the list also includes Sania Mirza — seeking representation in the general body and executive committee. He says he is not looking for an out-and-out administrative role, but wishes to use his experience to set things right.

“It is an opportunity for those who have lived the process to get into the system, to give advice in the right direction. I know what it takes and where the system needs to change,” Bhupathi tells The Indian Express. He refuses to elaborate, at least until the election scheduled for November 7.

He makes no bones about the problem at hand though.…