The journey of Indian tennis is far from over, in fact, it is on an upward trajectory, with a host of promising young players emerging. I’m not referring to established players like Sumit Nagal, Rohan Bopanna, or Ramkumar Ramnathan, but rather the teenagers making a mark on the global stage. Among the prodigies, such as Manas Dhamne and Aryan Shah, is another rising star, Pranav Senthil. This 17-year-old from Tamil Nadu has rapidly climbed the ranks to become a powerful name in junior tennis. Recently, he triumphed at the Fenesta National Tennis Championship, a premier domestic tournament for junior players.
Rethin Pranav Senthil Kumar, a name steadily gaining recognition in the tennis world, hails from Tamil Nadu, India. From a young age, he showcased exceptional talent for the sport, fuelling his passion for the game.
Early Struggles for Pranav Senthil
Like many young athletes, Pranav encountered numerous challenges. Balancing academics with intense training proved to be a persistent struggle. Nevertheless, his unwavering dedication, combined with the support of his family and coaches, enabled him to overcome these obstacles.
Pranav’s breakthrough
A big moment in Pranav’s career came in when he joined the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy. Under the mentorship of experienced coaches, he refined his skills and developed a strong mental game. His consistent hard work and determination began to bear fruit as he ascended the junior tennis rankings.
Pranav Senthil’s achievements
Some of Pranav’s key milestones include:
- Top 100 Junior Ranking: He broke into the top 100 in the world junior rankings, a feat that secures entry into Grand Slam events and professional circuit tournaments.
- National Championships: He has claimed several national championships across various age categories.
- International Titles: Pranav has won multiple titles at international junior tournaments, showcasing his prowess on the global stage.
- Khelo India Youth Games: Won gold medals in both singles and doubles representing Tamil Nadu.
- J100 ITF Juniors, Canberra: Claimed the singles title in March, defeating second-seeded Harry Pugh of New Zealand.
Future Plans for Pranav
With a promising future ahead, Pranav aims for even greater heights. He intends to transition smoothly to the professional circuit and compete against the world’s best players. His ultimate dream is to represent India at the Olympics and clinch a Grand Slam title.
He is currently part of the TNTA’s player development programme called ‘The Next Level,’ which supported Pranav’s month-long trip to Europe to participate in a series of four world ranking events, where he reached two finals in singles and doubles. Recently in an interview to New Indian Express , he shared, “The TNTA has made it clear that they are facilitating my transition to men’s tournaments after the Junior US Open in September. My focus will be on competing in men’s events moving forward. That said, I aim to play all the junior Grand Slams in 2025 in the main draw,” .
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