A wave of excitement is coursing through India's tennis community following the impressive performance of a 17-year-old at the French Open 2025. While the established names like Rohan Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, and N Sriram Balaji have been carrying the Indian flag in men's doubles, it's the emergence of youth that has truly captured the imagination of fans and sparked renewed hope for the future of the sport in the country.
The young athlete's journey at Roland Garros, though ultimately ending in the early rounds of the junior event, has been marked by moments of brilliance and resilience, showcasing the potential to become a significant force in Indian tennis. The player, whose name is Hitesh Chauhan, reached the second round of the French Open Juniors, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat since 2016. Despite cramping up in the second set in a match against the American duo of Noah Johnston and Benjamin Willwerth, Hitesh showed incredible heart and fight by continuing and fighting for each point.
This performance arrives at a time when India is eagerly seeking its next tennis icon. While veterans like Rohan Bopanna continue to compete at the highest level, the need for young, dynamic players to rise through the ranks is keenly felt. The recent French Open also saw participation from other Indian players such as Manas Dhamne, who was ousted in the first round of the boys' singles. Sumit Nagal, India's top-ranked singles player, failed to qualify for the main draw, further highlighting the challenges faced in the singles category.
However, it's not just about this one player's performance in Paris. Several other young Indian tennis players are making their mark on the international stage. Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, a 15-year-old from Coimbatore, has been turning heads with her impressive performances. She even had the opportunity to train at Rafael Nadal's prestigious academy in Spain. Jensi Kanabar, a teenage girl from Junagadh, is set to represent India at Wimbledon 2025 in the under-14 category. Kriish Ajay Tyagi from Bengaluru has also been consistently dominant across junior and men's circuits.
These emerging talents represent a diverse pool of potential stars, each with their unique strengths and stories. Their collective rise signifies a positive shift in Indian tennis, suggesting a brighter future for the sport.
Hitesh Chauhan himself has expressed a grand ambition. According to an interview given on June 17, 2025, Hitesh stated that his goal is to bring tennis back to life in India and inspire a generation. He wants to see an Indian playing Grand Slams and being in the top 50, and top 30 in the ATP rankings.
To capitalize on this renewed interest, strategic initiatives are essential. Increased investment in grassroots programs, improved training infrastructure, and greater exposure to international competition are crucial steps. Additionally, creating more opportunities for young players to compete on home soil can significantly boost their confidence and development.
The journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging. The path to success in professional tennis is fraught with obstacles, requiring immense dedication, perseverance, and talent. However, the spark ignited by this 17-year-old's French Open showing, coupled with the emergence of other promising players, provides a foundation for optimism. It is now up to the tennis federation, coaches, and the players themselves to seize this opportunity and work towards reigniting India's passion for tennis.
