Maaya Revathi on Her WTA Chennai Open Journey

​We caught up with rising Indian talent Maaya Revathi ahead of her first-round match at the WTA Chennai Open to discuss her opponent, her recent progress on the junior circuit, and her experience training at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy.

​Facing Her Teammate

Q: You are playing Shrivalli in the first round of the WTA Chennai Open. Your thoughts on the match?

​Well, everyone knows I’m playing Shrivalli. I think she’s someone every Indian junior has looked up to. I have personally known her not only as a player but as a person as well. Honestly, I think it’s an experience to play her. She’s so good.

​Q: You were teammates with her in April at the Billie Jean King Cup. Did you get a chance to spar with her at that event?

​Yes, I did. And I think she’s one of the best people I’ve met in the Indian circuit. It’s always an honor to play her, and, you know, that’s how it is—both of us are supportive about it. We might even still hit tomorrow!

​Q: You’re coming straight from practice now. How do you see the courts?

​Well, these courts are something that I’m used to. It’s my own place; I’ve played tons of tournaments here. It’s been a while, but still, I’m very excited for playing here, because the crowd—it’s home.

​Progress and Physical Growth

​Q: How do you look back on your year so far? You played all four Junior Slams and even got a win in the main draw at the Junior US Open. Tell us about your progress.

​I do see a big progress in the last 12 months. Last year was not a good year for me; I didn’t win any junior tournaments. So, coming into the year, I had a good junior win, and the WTA 125 Mumbai happened. And, yeah, in the Slams, I think I’ve been progressing gradually. I see the graph go up.

​Q: You’re at that age where you’re also growing up. How has your height increased, and how tough is it to adjust your game while you’re growing up physically?

​Honestly, I didn’t have much of a problem with it because I had a gradual growth. I didn’t shoot up in three or four months. My physical part was very well taken care of, put it that way. We were very focused on not getting injured, being very careful with whatever I was doing physically. I think that’s helped. Once I grow fully, it should be easier to maintain.

​The Rafa Nadal Academy Experience

​Q: Has someone accompanied you from the Rafa Nadal Academy for this tournament?

​No, I mean, since it’s just one week.

​Q: Can you talk about your experience at the academy? Any tips from Nadal that have stuck with you so far?

​There have been a lot. I’ve come a decent way in the last 12 months, and as the graph is going up, I’ve learned millions of things. Especially in a professional environment like the Rafa Nadal Academy, you have so many experienced people and coaches. When you’re surrounded by them, you learn. That’s how it has been for me, and I’ll keep learning.

​Q: What’s the frequency of training? Are you based there, playing most of the time, and traveling around for tournaments?

​No, no, I’m based there. I’m there. We rent a house outside. So, yeah, I train, I travel for tournaments, and I go back. I’ll be staying there at the Rafa Nadal Academy for next season, too.

​Q: You’ve traveled a lot this year. What are your takeaways from that aspect of being a tennis player?

​Honestly, that’s how it is. Most of the pros in the academy don’t stay in the academy most of the time. You go to a place, you probably stay back and train. I think every single tournament I play, wherever I travel, turns out to be the best experience of my life. Always lots to learn. Losses are learned, and wins are taken. It’s always very positive.

​Q: Have you started speaking Spanish? How are your lessons going?

​I do remember—were you the one who asked me the same question a few months ago? [Laughs] Just checking! I mean, I’m in school now, in Grade 10. I’ve got so many things ahead of me—I have to perform well, stay fit… Spanish is not that great. I can still understand, but I’m never there.

​Looking Ahead

​Q: Can you talk about the importance of playing a big tournament at home and how eager are you to see this tournament stay back in Chennai?

​I mean, honestly, the last time it happened was 2022. I remember watching it on TV personally. I’m very excited. As soon as the tournament was announced, probably four or five months ago, I was sure that maybe I might get a chance to play. I’ve been looking forward to it since then, and I’ve been training well.

​Q: What are your plans for the next two months?

​The plan is not accurate yet, but probably I’ll go to the US for a couple of weeks and go to Mexico to play some juniors. Probably the Orange Bowl and Eddie Herr