Meet Ronit Karki, an extraordinary young talent making waves in the world of junior tennis. At just 16 years old, he’s already representing the USA with exceptional skill and determination. Born in New Jersey and now based in Florida, Ronit has dedicated his life to mastering the sport he loves. His journey began at the tender age of four, inspired by his older sister, and his passion for tennis has only grown stronger over the years.

Currently training at the Gooding Todero Academy, Ronit’s right-handed play style and his commitment to excellence have placed him at a career high of #131 in the junior rankings with consistent performance in both singles and doubles categories.

Ronit has an impressive track record in the junior tennis circuit. His profile highlights a series of remarkable achievements, including winning the Gold Ball at the 2019 USTA National Level 1 Indoors for Boys 12 and being part of the 2019 Team Zonals Boys 12 Champions. In 2021, he claimed titles at the USTA Level 3 and Level 2 for Boys 14. His success continued in 2023 with a victory at the USTA Level 2 Boys 16 championship. Notably, Ronit secured the Gold Ball in doubles at the 2023 USTA Winter Nationals for Boys 18 and the 2024 Easter Bowl Boys 18 doubles​​. In his very short ITF junior career, has already won two J100 and J60 titles in singles, and a J200 and J100 title in doubles.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life of this promising young athlete. Ronit shares his experiences, from the early days of imitating his sister on the court to his intense training regimen and his aspirations for the future. He opens up about his most challenging matches, his most memorable victories, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. We also get a glimpse into his personal life, discovering his hobbies, interests, and the music that keeps him motivated.

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Ronit Karki, a name to watch in the world of tennis. His story is not just about athletic prowess but also about the resilience, dedication, and passion that define a true champion.

Can you please take us through your tennis journey so far? When did you first start playing tennis, and what drew you to the sport?

I first started playing tennis when I was four years old. What drew me to this sport was just the fact that my sister was playing it and at that age, I just wanted to do whatever my sister was doing. Then, throughout the years, I started training more and more and getting better. I got more passionate about the sport. I used to play soccer as well until I was ten, but I stopped playing soccer because all I wanted to do was play tennis and just give my hundred percent focus on tennis. Then, I moved from New Jersey to Florida when I was 15, and I’ve been here ever since.

Who have been your biggest influences? You mentioned your sister; have you had any other role models in tennis so far?

Yes, my dad for sure. My dad plays tennis, and we would always have discussions about tennis in general. He was a big part of my journey in my tennis career, and my mom as well.

You are currently based in Orlando, Florida. Can you describe a typical day in your training schedule? What aspects of your game are you currently focusing on improving?

Usually, I’ll either start the day with an hour of fitness from 8 to 9 or finish the day with an hour of fitness from 3 to 4. In between, I have two hours of training from 9 to 11, then a lunch break from 11 to 1 where I might do schoolwork or other tasks. From 1 to 3, I have another tennis session. From 9 to 11, we focus on specifics, drills, and rallies. Currently, I’m working on my serve, physical fitness, and mental toughness. We do a lot of tough drills and rally drills to build that up. From 1 to 3, we play a lot of points but incorporate the elements we are working on improving, maintaining intensity and focus.

What has been your most challenging match to date and why?

Probably my clay court finals in boys U16 last year. I lost that 7-6, 6-0 to my friend Jack. It was very tough for me because it tested how badly I wanted it. My body wasn’t great that day, but looking back, it showed me a lot I can improve on. My parents were proud because it was a great tournament, even though they understood I was a bit disappointed. It made us think about the next step and what we need to work on from there.

Could you also share one of your most memorable achievements in your short career so far?

One memorable achievement was my U12 indoors. There have been many matches recently, like in Costa Rica, that I’m proud of, but that tournament was special. It was my first big tournament where I was shocked that I won. I didn’t have much confidence on court, but I started winning matches I shouldn’t have. My coach’s advice to focus on my game style and play with intensity really helped, especially in pressure matches.

When you head into bigger tournaments, what’s your preparation routine like? Do you have any specific rituals or strategies you follow?

I try to keep my routine consistent across all events, big or small, to create good habits and ensure my body is always at 100%. For recovery, I do a lot of foam rolling, stretching, and eat a lot of protein and carbs to stay healthy.

Are there any particular tournaments you look forward to every year?

Definitely Kalamazoo, one of the biggest junior tournaments, and any of the J300s I will play later this year. These are crucial for my development.

How has your family influenced and supported your career?

My dad’s hardworking personality has inspired me to work harder. My mom emphasizes character and being respectful, which helps me stay calm on the court. My sister, who went through the junior circuit before me, has filled my competitive spirit and provided valuable advice.

Do you want to take this opportunity to thank your coaches?

Absolutely. My coaches have been crucial in my development. They prepared me physically and mentally, and my game today is a combination of all the coaching I’ve received. My forehand and backhand have been built through their guidance and tough drills.

What do you think is your best shot?

I think my backhand is my best shot, particularly my backhand down the line. Even though my forehand is more powerful, I’m very comfortable with my backhand.

How do you balance your time between tennis, school, and social activities?

During the school year, I focus a lot on schoolwork, even though it’s not easy, especially during big tournaments. I make time for friends whenever possible and try to maintain a healthy social life.

What do you like to do when you’re not training or competing?

I like to go to the mall with my mom in Orlando, either window shopping or just looking around. I used to play video games a lot but have moved on to other hobbies like collecting watches and colognes.

Is there a fun fact about you that not many people know?

I listen to a lot of music across various genres, including pop, hip-hop, electronic, and even Bollywood songs with my dad. I spend a lot of time exploring different artists and albums.

Do you have any favorite artists?

I like modern artists like Travis Scott and Kanye West, as well as older ones like Eminem and Tupac.

Do you have any short-term and long-term goals with respect to tennis?

In the short term, I’m focusing on improving my junior ranking and playing in junior slams. Long term, I’d like to go pro, possibly after college, and aim to dominate the pro circuit.

Do you have any advice for fellow younger players hoping to excel?

Enjoy the process and have fun while working hard. It’s important to not stress too much about confidence and instead focus on improving and enjoying the sport. Those who have fun often find more success.

Thank you, Ronit, for sharing your journey and insights with us. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors on and off the court!