Indian tennis star Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who once reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 75, has announced his retirement from professional tennis. In a heartfelt statement, the 35-year-old reflected on his journey in the sport and expressed his gratitude for the years he spent on the court.
“Today, I step off the competitive tennis court for the last time,” Gunneswaran shared in his announcement, calling the game his “sanctuary, greatest teacher, and most faithful companion.” Over three decades, Gunneswaran’s career took him from his hometown of Mandaveli in Chennai to some of the biggest stages in global tennis, including all four Grand Slams in 2019.
Reflecting on his journey, Gunneswaran described it as “nothing short of extraordinary.” He noted how the sport shaped his identity and character, saying, “Every drop of sweat, every victory, every setback—it’s all woven into the fabric of who I am. Tennis taught me discipline, resilience, and the power of dreaming big.”
In addition to his professional achievements, including two ATP Challenger titles and a bronze medal in the 2018 Asian Games, Gunneswaran emphasized the friendships and memories he gained along the way. “It gave me friendships that transcend borders and memories that will last a lifetime,” he wrote, adding that tennis pushed him “to dig deep, to grow, and to be better—not just as a player but as a human being.”
The Chennai native’s retirement follows several challenging years with wrist injuries that ultimately limited his time on the court. Nonetheless, Gunneswaran expressed immense gratitude for those who supported him through his career, acknowledging his coaches, teammates, and especially his family as his “backbone.”
“To my fans who cheered me on through the highs and lows—I’m deeply grateful,” he added. Prajnesh concluded his statement with a touching tribute: “Thank you, tennis, for the ride of a lifetime.”
Prajnesh Gunneswaran leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s top tennis players in the Open Era, inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence on the international stage.