Teenage dream: fearless Maaya makes the tennis world sit up and take notice Premium

Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi's meteoric rise in tennis captures hearts and attention, setting her apart as a future star.

When Toni Nadal reaches out to say that he has been watching your game, following your on-court progress, and that he will be seeing you at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy soon, it’s not just any phone call. It’s confirmation that you are not just another player in the crowd.

During a single, unforgettable week at the L&T Mumbai Open, Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi not only won hearts but also captured the attention of the tennis world. 

Having entered the WTA 125 event with a wild card facilitated by the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association, the 15-year-old redefined what it means to seize an opportunity and shine on the big stage. 

With a blend of grace, intensity, and aggression that seemed almost unbelievable for someone so young, Maaya overcame opponents twice her age, equipped with vast experience, greater physical strength, and higher rankings, firmly proving that she was meant to compete at this elite level.

After qualifying with impressive victories over World No. 264 Nicole Fossa Huergo and No. 434 Jessica Failla, Maaya made an impact in the main draw. First, she stunned World No. 225 Iryna Shymanovich in straight sets. She then beat Zarina Diyas, once ranked in the top-50, and Mei Yamaguchi before being knocked out by World No. 117 Jil Teichmann in the semifinals.

Maaya’s aggressive baseline game is defined by deep groundstrokes off both flanks. Her ability to quickly charge to the net and play elegant volleys complements her fearless, attacking mindset, making her a formidable opponent.

In an interaction with The Hindu, the teenager, who looks up to Aryna Sabalenka, spoke about her style of play and how she handles pressure. “I love being aggressive on the court,” she said. “I feel I handle the pressure well. That’s because I have been playing so many three-set matches recently, so I’m used to handling the pressure and I don’t think about anything else while playing. I play for the point, I stay in the moment, and that gets me through the pressure.”