From Portugal to Chandigarh: Won tennis ball, two continents

Marco’s decision to move to Chandigarh in 2021 was driven by a desire for new challenges and opportunities. “It was a leap of faith, but one that has enriched my professional journey,” Marco explains.

Marco Seruca and his wife Maria (Express photo)

In a captivating narrative that spans continents and cultures, Marco Seruca, the owner of MS Star Academy which focuses on training high competition tennis players, shares his remarkable journey from Portugal to Chandigarh, propelled by a passion for tennis and a thirst for professional growth.

Born and raised in the south of Portugal, Marco discovered his love for tennis at the age of 13. By the time he was 23, he had reached the rank of number 2 in Portugal. He also played in the Davis Cup and participated in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, under the mentorship of Roger Taylor, a pivotal figure in his early career.

“Roger Taylor recognised my potential and encouraged me from a young age,” Marco reminisces. “His guidance shaped my formative years in tennis.”

Due to an injury that interrupted his playing career for almost two years, Marco shifted his focus to coaching. From 1998 to 2009, he coached various players, some of whom achieved significant rankings — one was 29th in the world under-16s and another became the national champion in the under-18 category in Portugal.

Marco’s decision to move to Chandigarh in 2021 was driven by a desire for new challenges and opportunities. “It was a leap of faith, but one that has enriched my professional journey,” Marco explains.

Transitioning from Portugal to Chandigarh presented its share of challenges, from adapting to new coaching styles to overcoming language barriers. ”Here in Chandigarh the tennis culture is different, more competitive in many ways,” Marco reflects. Training ambitious tennis players has always been Marco’s dream which he fulfilled by opening his own academy in Sector 1 by the name of MS Star Academy.

Culturally, Marco finds Chandigarh uniquely charming. “Chandigarh’s planned grid layout and abundance of green spaces are close to my heart,” Marco says. Both Marco and his wife, Maria, share the love for the City Beautiful. Fascinated by our cultures and traditions, they don’t foresee going back to Portugal anytime soon.

Being addicted to Indian food from teenage years, Marco’s love for Indian food has only grown stronger in Chandigarh. “He is more Indian than Indians themselves,” Maria, who teaches Pilates, chuckles. “He loves everything, from golgappe to his favourite saag and paneer.”

Reflecting on his journey, Marco has a message for aspiring tennis players in India. “Believe in your dreams and work tirelessly to achieve them,” Marco says. “India has immense tennis talent, and with determination and support, anything is possible.”

Marco’s story exemplifies the transformative power of sports and cultural exchange, bridging continents through a shared passion for tennis.

=metering.exceededMeter.max AND metering.userProperties.premium=’false’ )” amp-access-hide>

You have exhausted your
monthly limit of free stories.

Read more stories for free
with an Express account.

This premium article is free for now.

Register to read more free stories and access offers from partners.

This content is exclusive for our subscribers.

Subscribe now to get unlimited access to The Indian Express exclusive and premium stories.