When Tony Nadal arrives to say that he is watching your game, follows your on-court progress, and he must be looking at you soon in the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy, it is not just any phone call Is. It is confirmed that you are not just one more player in the crowd.
During a single, unforgettable week at the L&T Mumbai Open, Maya Rajeswaran Revathi not only won the heart, but also attracted the attention of the tennis world.
After entering the WTA 125 event with a convenient wild card by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association, the 15 -year -old redefined what does it mean to seize an opportunity and shine on the big stage.
Pre -disciplinary
With a mixture of grace, intensity and aggression, which looked almost incredible for anyone, so young, Maaya uprooted opponents twice of his age, laid with huge experience, more physical strength and high ranking, firmly To prove that he was a level to compete in this elite.
After qualifying with an impressive win over world number 264 Nicole Fosa Hajo and number 434 Jessica Filla, Maya influenced the main draw. First, he shocked world number 225 Irina Shaimanovich in straight sets. He then defeated Zarina Dius, once ranked in the top -50, and Mai Yamaguchi was knocked out by World No. 117 Jill Teachman in the semi -finals.
The aggressive baseline game of Maaaya is defined by both flanks deep from the flank. Her ability to quickly charge the net and play the elegant volcano attacks her fearless, attacking mentality, making her a malignant rival.
In a conversation with HinduThe teenager, who sees Aryana Sabalenka, talked about her playing style and how she handles pressure. “I like to be aggressive in court,” he said. “I think I handle the pressure well. This is because I have recently been playing several three-set matches, so I am used to handle pressure and I don’t think of anything else while playing. I play for this point, I live in the moment, and it gives me through pressure. ,
To move her game to the next level, Maya could focus on refining her first served, increasing her drop shot and creating more physical strength. Over the next few years, it will be important to prioritize fitness, and with improvement in these areas, it can become one of India’s most bright possibilities.
Talk to HindU, Maya’s coach, Manoj Kumar shared his views in areas for his progress, reform and joined Nadal’s academy. “I first saw her in 2020 when she was just 10 years old. Whatever I killed me was his confidence. At that time, I never thought that she would achieve so much in such a short period. Whatever is the most about him is his mental luck – if I want to cover it in a word, I would say fearless.
Swinging with freedom: Maaaya’s attacker baseline game is characterized by deep groundstroke from both flanks. , Photo Credit: Emmanuel Yogini
“Her space to improve all aspects of her game – she is still very small. If I had excluded an area, it would be continuity with his first service. While his service has become more powerful, there is a need to improve the percentage of successful work.
“Additionally, I would like him to work on his net play and add more diversity to his game. However, the positivity is that he is a very aggressive baseline player, undoubtedly his strength.
Intensify her game
“He is capable of competing in the ITF Juniors circuit, initially shown in the J30, J60 and J100 tournaments, and amazing promises. At the beginning of last year, however, we pushed her into a high level competition, and she struggled first. But the frequent contact for hard competition has accelerated her game, and the results are now visible, ”Manoj said.
“Two years ago, when she was 13, I told her parents that if she wins in U-14, U-16 and U -18 categories, she would need to consider going to Europe. The competition there is unmatched, which has difficult tournaments, top academies and high levels of exposure. This is the best place to unlock her full potential.
“To be noted and trained in Rafa’s academy. Earning a full scholarship and giving the opportunity to train with the best speaking versions about your talent. It is clear that they see something special in it. With a discussion with the Mumbai tournament, he needs to focus on his game, and follow everything else. ,
MAAYA has achieved tremendous success in the junior national rank, winning the title in both singles and doubles in the U-12, U-14, U-14 and U-12 categories. 2023 proved to be a historic year. Not only did he win 25 consecutive matches, but he also won an impressive five singles titles and three doubles titles on the ITF circuit.
In January 2025, she reached her sixth international singles title, prestigious J300 event in Delhi, the largest junior ITF Triumph of her career to reach another major milestone.
Maaaya’s travel coach and former India player Shivika Burman reflected to make her ward special. “I have known her from the age of 12. I first traveled with her for an under -12 tournament in Kazakhstan, represented India. The discipline that was doing all the little things was amazing to see. .
Powering it: Coach Manoj Kumar believes that ‘working on your net play’ and ‘Improvement in continuity of her first service’ will help further develop Maya’s game. , Photo Credit: Emmanuel Yogini
“When all other children were falling ill before the semi -finals, Maya looked at me and said, ‘We have found this’. Although she lost to her opponent in that match, but her attitude and desire to fight it only amazing Was.
“He has a very different game than the rest of the children. He is super aggressive. Not only this, but he also has a wonderful mind. There is something about him that makes him special. At that age, that kind of confidence is unprecedented. ,
It is difficult to assume that Maya is only 15 when you inspect the poem with which she takes herself. She faces an indisputable sense of assurance, yet she is grounded and thoughtful in the way she speaks. His calm, powerful self-confidence separates him from his companions.
Aid system
This extraordinary quality is probably outstanding itself in its support system, some part of his parents. For Rajeshwaran, working in Mondelez International (Cadbury), his daughter is not much sweet than flourishing in a competitive environment. Her unmatched mother Revathi radiates an incredible peace, which can be seen in Maya’s on-court performance.
Maya first picked up a racket at the age of eight, trained at a small academy in Salem, Tamil Nadu, where her father was posted. Within a few years, as his talent began, Rajeswaran, the only provider of the family, transferred him to Coimbatore in search of better tennis possibilities. To support his coaching and living expenses, he continued to work in Salem and took a loan.
While Rajeswaran has continued to tireless efforts to support him, Revathi focuses on nurturing Maya’s dreams. His shared commitment to Maya’s future has inspired her to make great sacrifice, which is united with her belief in her ability.
After making her debut in the WTA rankings in World No. 646 after Mumbai’s run, Maya’s visit has just begun. The world is watching because she prepares a magical moment at one time.
Published – 15 February, 2025 12:46 AM IST