Ashwin Vijayaragavan’s story is a powerful reminder that success in tennis isn’t always measured by rankings—but by resilience, impact, and love for the sport.

Now 37, Vijayaragavan once competed on the professional circuit for India, reaching a career-high ATP Singles Ranking of 786 in 2012 and an ITF Junior Ranking of 147 earlier in his career. He was also part of the Indian Davis Cup team as a reserve in 2013, representing the country during a competitive era of Indian tennis.

Life After the Tour: A New Beginning in Australia

After stepping away from full-time professional tennis, Vijayaragavan settled in Adelaide, South Australia, where he built a new chapter of his life as a tennis coach. While coaching became his primary focus, the competitive fire never fully faded.

It was his wife, Tania Clark of Sri Lankan origin, who encouraged him to take an unexpected leap of faith—signing up for the Australian Open 1 Point Slam State Qualifiers, a pathway event that allows players outside the professional rankings to chase a dream spot at the main AO 1 Point Slam event ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.

Winning the State Championships Against the Odds

What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.

Despite being far removed from the professional tour, Vijayaragavan won the state championships, earning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stage—Rod Laver Arena.

There, under the bright lights of Melbourne Park, he faced former World No.1 Marat Safin, one of the most iconic players of his generation.

Though Vijayaragavan eventually lost the match, he shared a memorable long rally with Safin—an emotional moment that symbolized the culmination of decades of dedication.

For Ashwin Vijayaragavan, stepping onto Rod Laver Arena wasn’t about the result—it was about living a dream he once chased as a junior in India.

A Lasting Legacy: Shaping India’s No.1 Player

Beyond his own journey, Vijayaragavan’s influence extends deeply into Indian tennis—most notably through his role in the early development of current India No.1, Sahaja Yamalapalli.

Sahaja has spoken openly about how critical his support was during her formative years:

“We were so broke I couldn’t even afford to travel to tournaments. Then there was Ashwin Vijayaragavan. He played Davis Cup for India. He was working with us—I was one of his first athletes. He helped us financially. He was so kind and supportive.”

She further credited him with helping secure her college opportunity in the United States:

“He got me into college. The coach there was his former coach. He just gave his word because I had no ranking, no ITF Juniors, nothing to prove I was good enough.”

That act of belief played a pivotal role in shaping a player who would go on to become India’s top-ranked women’s singles player.

More Than Rankings, More Than Results

Ashwin Vijayaragavan’s story is not just about tennis results—it’s about persistence, mentorship, and the unseen contributions that shape future champions.

From representing India in the Davis Cup ecosystem, to mentoring young players when they had nothing but talent and hope, to finally walking onto Rod Laver Arena years after leaving the tour—his journey stands as one of Indian tennis’s most inspiring untold stories.

Sometimes, the greatest victories come long after the rankings fade.