“It’s Like a New Realm” — Aradhya Kshitij on his Maiden Men’s Pro Win at Bengaluru Challenger
17-year-old Aradhya Kshitij, an unranked wildcard, had a straight-sets win over an ATP-Top 500 opponent. He had plenty to smile about after his Bengaluru Challenger qualifying R1 win, as he sat with Deekshith from Indian Tennis Daily to walk us through it.
Q: Congrats on a great win today. Thoughts on the match?
Aradhya: I think it was a great match. I served really well — I think that’s what changed it. Overall there was no pressure on me and I could play more freely. Just a good day.
Q: This is your first pro win at ATP level. How does it feel?
Aradhya: This Challenger was my first men’s event win ever, at any level. It’s like a new realm and it’s just so fun playing in the men’s category. There’s no pressure on me obviously because I’m still a junior — it’s just so fun playing.
Q: You’re transitioning from juniors to seniors. How is that going and how is it helping you mentally?
Aradhya: Slowly this year I’m going to start playing more and more men’s events. I’m mixed with some juniors just to get back into the top 100 and get the exemptions for the Futures. It’s going to be a slow process, but this is a good way to start.
Q: Can you talk us through your coaching setup currently?
Aradhya: I train at RBTA now — Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy. I shifted there around a month back and it’s a great setup with great facilities. Rohan sir is on court with the players all the time which is really fun. And Dragan, the head coach who works closely with me, is super good — he understands what I need to do and yeah, it’s great.
Q: Which ATP player do you admire most?
Aradhya: It’s definitely going to be Roger Federer, but unfortunately he doesn’t play anymore. He is my idol in tennis. I don’t try to replicate what he does because it’s almost impossible — but yeah, he’s the best.
The final qualifying round awaits — Aradhya Kshitij takes on compatriot Nitin Kumar Sinha (ATP 934) on Monday. One more win and the main draw beckons for the budding youngster.
