Rethin Pranav Triumphs in Fenesta National Tennis Championship
Rethin Pranav, a 17-year-old tennis prodigy from Chennai, overcame bouts of cramps and a formidable opponent to clinch the men’s title at the Fenesta National Tennis Championship. In a thrilling three-set battle, Rethin defeated Nitin Kumar Sinha 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, showcasing remarkable composure and resilience.
Despite being drained of energy, Rethin displayed unwavering determination, sipping water between points to stay hydrated. His sharp shots and patience in rallies proved too much for Sinha, who had toyed with him midway through the match.
Rethin’s victory was a testament to his perseverance and the power of belief. He had initially lost the third and final qualifying round but was fortunate to receive a lucky-loser spot in the main draw. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in his tournament journey.
In the women’s final, Vaidehi Chaudhari, the 2022 champion, faced off against 15-year-old qualifier Maaya Rajeshwaran. Chaudhari’s experience and consistency proved too strong for Maaya, who despite her impressive run in the tournament, was unable to find her rhythm in the final.
The under-18 boys’ title went to Aradhya Kshitij, who overcame stiff competition from Shanker Heisnam in a closely contested match. In the under-18 girls’ category, Prisha Shinde recovered from the brink of defeat to beat Diya Ramesh, showcasing her fighting spirit and determination.
Rethin’s victory marks a significant milestone in Indian tennis, as he becomes the first lucky-loser to win a national championship title. His triumph is a testament to the depth of talent in Indian tennis and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams.