Goodluck charm. Its like when you are about to drive far away to other city, you talk to yourself "lets drive safety to our destination". Or when you are about to do an exam, you said to yourself "here we go, we can do it & pass the exam". Maybe they talk inside their head saying "ok court you are on my side right, help me then" Idk about religious thing in India but something like that give positive vibe that would boost your mental.
Hello It's more than that. As in the video they touched the border with the racquet and then placed the racquet head to the chest/heart or kissed it. It's sacred to them.. kind of like entering their temple (place of worship), it's like showing gratitude to the court which has brought them skills/name/fame/living etc. Many would actually touch it with their hands. You can see players/people in other sports having similar practice.. like a goalie bowing to the goalpost or cricketers before entering the field. Or simply a student touching his books to he chest/forehead if it falls on the ground by accident even if it's someone else's. These practices/sentiments definitely gives positive vibes+ boost mental strength & discipline and are a sign (to Indians) of good parenting or coaching. Another example is like R.Intanon from Thailand folding hands and bowing to everybody post match.
