“I don’t have any sponsors” – Parthasarathi Mundhe, Clay U18 Nationals Champion

CHENNAI: Fresh off a title-winning run at the Clay Court U18 Nationals last week, Parthasarathi Mundhe continued her impressive form by reaching the finals of the ITF Juniors J60 event in Chennai. Despite a packed schedule, the young talent from Pune showcased immense grit and skill. Following her final match, Mundhe spoke with Harini Raman for Indian Tennis Daily about her recent performances, her journey in tennis, and her aspirations for the future.

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Harini Raman: Congratulations on making the finals after winning the Nationals last week. What are your thoughts on the final match today?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: It was a good match, a little bit bad from my side, but it’s fine.

Harini Raman: Looking back, is there anything you feel you could have done better?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: I think I could have recovered a little better physically. Maybe I could have pushed myself harder during the match.

Harini Raman: How did you find the playing conditions here in Chennai?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: The conditions were very good.

Harini Raman: Winning the Clay Court Nationals and immediately following it up with a finalist trophy here at an ITF event is a fantastic achievement. How does it feel to have such a successful couple of weeks?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: It feels great, but I must admit, I am a little bit tired now after playing so many matches back-to-back.

Harini Raman: Can you share some details about your coach and your training setup?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: I train at the Hemant Bendre Tennis Academy in Pune. My daily routine consists of three and a half hours of tennis practice and one hour of dedicated fitness work.

Harini Raman: Taking a step back, where did you grow up and what made you take up tennis?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: I initially started playing in Solapur. At first, I just went to the courts for general fitness. However, I started playing very well, and that’s when I decided to take it up professionally.

Harini Raman: What about your family? Do they have a sporting background?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: No, they don’t have any background in sports.

Harini Raman: How is your tennis supported financially? Do you have any sponsors at the moment?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: I don’t have any sponsors currently, but my coaching is provided for free at the academy.

Harini Raman: You’ve been playing on the ITF circuit for the past two years, but primarily in India and Nepal. Is the lack of sponsorship the main reason you haven’t been able to travel to tournaments further abroad?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: Yes, that is the main issue.

Harini Raman: What are your goals for the next few months? What’s next on your calendar?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: My main goal is to compete in the Fenesta Nationals, in both the Women’s and the U18 categories.

Harini Raman: Great. To finish off, let’s do a quick rapid-fire round. What are your hobbies outside of the sport?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: (Laughs) Playing tennis.

Harini Raman: Your favorite home-cooked food?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: Pav Bhaji.

Harini Raman: Favorite tennis player?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: Aryna Sabalenka.

Harini Raman: A favorite travel destination?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: Goa.

Harini Raman: And finally, a place you have not been to but would love to visit?

Parthasarathi Mundhe: America.