Arjun Rathi has taken the Indian Tennis Junior Circuit by fire with a 15-1 win-loss streak over the past 3 weeks.
17-yr old Arjun has a heart warming story of someone who has made his Junior debut only this year after recovering from a serious road accident which put him away from tennis for many months.
The journey of Arjun Rathi via the interview
Yash: You are into the finals. How are you feeling?
Arjun: It’s a good feeling. I am playing finals for the second week. I played a final in Guwahati also. So it’s a third consecutive week. And it’s a good feeling every time you play a final.
Interviewer: Well done. Arjun, I would like to ask you. You had an amazing past three weeks. Your thoughts on this amazing run?
Arjun: I played finals in Guwahati. But unfortunately, I lost because of a knee injury. I won in Delhi. That was a great match. I had a great finals with Arnav Paparkar, won the third set, 6-4. And I am playing finals tomorrow in Pune also. It’s a fruit for my determination and hunger.
Interviewer: Okay, Arjun, you were away from tennis for a long long time due to an injury. Can you talk about the nature of your injury and your rehab?
Arjun: I had an injury in February. And I was away for like around six months. And then I rehabbed for two months and I’m back on circuit from the last 2 months. I played few tournaments in Nairobi. Had a title there. And now I’m playing in India. Still having a great run. So that’s not bothering me because I am back to my form.
Interviewer: Well done on a good recovery. Arjun, you’ve played Vihan Reddy twice in two weeks. Thoughts on your match with him? And is there a rivalry? How is he as an opponent?
Arjun: I played him last week in the second round. Delhi. I had a tough match that time. I won third set. 6-4. I guess that time it was a bit tough because he’s a great player. He maintains the same intensity at every point of the game. But this time he was looking lethargic or whatever. He was leading 5-1 in the first set. But then I made a comeback in the first set. I won 7:5 and then I just took off the second set easily. 6-2.
Interviewer: For those who haven’t seen you play yet, how would you describe your game?
Arjun: I think I am an all-court player. Like going from baseline to net. That’s all for me. And smacking my forehand at the tough times to surprise my opponent. That’s all in my game.
Interviewer: Can you talk about the team behind you? Your coaches, the academy you train in?
Arjun: I train in Round Glass Tennis Academy, Chandigarh. And I am Thankful to the entire Round Glass team. I train with Aditya Sachdeva. He is a very good coach. He supports me at every time. I was injured, he was still supporting me. So I’m very thankful to him and my travel coach, Paramveer Singh Bajwa. Obviously.
Interviewer: Arjun, how do you see your future tennis path? What are your goals? How is it going forward?
Arjun: I’m seeing myself in next 12 years. I want to play at least two Junior Grand Slams. Wimbledon and US Open. And after that, I want to perform good in the pro circuit. Also ITF Futures and all that.
Interviewer: Like for the next two months. What is your schedule? Which tournaments you’re playing?
Arjun: Obviously, this is the last tournament for me this year. I’ll be playing some ITFs in India next year. Delhi, Chandigarh and all. And then off from tennis. Because I have my 12th class exams.
Interviewer: Good luck for your studies as well.
Arjun: Thank you, sir.
Interviewer: Arjun, some fun questions now. Your favorite travel destination?
Arjun: I have been to Dehradun and that’s a good destination. Because I was close to the nature and that made me realize that there is many things other than tennis and all.
Interviewer: Any place you haven’t been to and you want to go there?
Arjun: Next, I want to go to Dubai. Because I am a supercar fan and that is a place that Dubai is popular for.
Interviewer: Your favorite car?
Arjun: Lamborghini
Interviewer: Your favorite food?
Arjun: Pasta.
Interviewer: Your dream opponent.
Arjun: I’m a Djokovic fan so I want to play him. Okay.
Interviewer: A loss which hurt you the most?
Arjun: I lost to my Academy mate in 2022. Fenesta under 16 finals. Hitesh Chauhan. I lost to him. Finals at 4-6. I was leading 4-2 and a breakup and I lost to him. That was a tough loss for me.
Interviewer: What are your hobbies?
Arjun: My hobbies are just to play video games in my free time or watch a web series.
Interviewer: You play FIFA or what?
Arjun: No, like Free Fire.
Interviewer: Arjun, thank you so much for your time. We wish you the very best.
Arjun: Thank you so much.
Interviewer: Thank you