Home Girl Maaya Rajeshwaran: From Watching on TV to Playing the WTA Chennai Open

At just 16, Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is a rising star in Indian tennis, making her main draw debut at the WTA 250 Chennai Open. The Coimbatore native, who trains at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy, discusses the excitement of playing a big tournament on home soil, her gradual climb up the world rankings, and the unique challenge of facing her good friend and senior, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, in a highly anticipated first-round match.

Maaya reflects on her consistent progress, her commitment to the professional circuit, and the lessons she’s learned while traveling the globe.

Q) Thoughts on your first match!

Maaya – As everyone knows, I am playing Shrivalli. She’s someone every Indian junior has looked up to. I have personally known her not only as a player, but as a person as well. So, honestly, I think it’s an experience to play her. She’s so good.

She’s one of the best persons I have met in the Indian circuit. It’s an honor to play her. Both of us are supportive about it. We might still hit tomorrow, so that’s how it is.

Q) How are the courts playing?

Maaya – These courts are something that I’m used to. I’ve played tons of tournaments here. It’s been a while, but still. I’m very excited for excited for playing here, especially because the crowd.

Q) How do you see your year so far? You played all the 4 Junior Grand Slams

Maaya – In the last 12 months, I do see the progress. Last year was not a good year for me. I didn’t win any junior tournaments. Coming into the year, I had a good junior win. And then Mumbai happened. And then the Slams. I have been progressing gradually. I see the graph go up.

Q) How are you growing physically? And how difficult is it to adjust your game according to that?

Maaya – Honestly, I didn’t have much of a problem with it, because I have had gradual growth. I didn’t shoot up in 3-4 months or something. My physical part was really taken care of. We were very focused on getting injured, being very careful of whatever we were doing physically. I think that’s helped. Once I grow up fully, that should be easier to maintain.

Q) After Mumbai, you played in only 3 more pro tournaments. And you conceded in the last one you played. Were you injured?

Maaya – I was not injured. I was sick. It was kind of a flu. I was with my parents – and all three of us were down with the flu. The doctor advised to retire as it would have gotten worse otherwise. So I did not want to take a chance. So I thought I’d rather take a break.

Q) Your mother was telling me you are not one to retire. How tough was the decision to concede?

Maaya – I have never retired. This time it was a tough choice in terms of what was ahead (Chennai Open). This was more important – in terms of training, recovering, etc. So that call had to be taken.

Q) Your experience at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Any tips from Nadal that have stuck with you?

Maaya – There have been a lot. Like I said, I’ve come a decent way in the last 12 months. While the graph is going up, I’ve learned learned a millions, million things. Because in a professional environment like the Rafa Nadal Academy, there are so many experienced people, so many experienced coaches. When you’re surrounded by them, you’ll learn. That’s how it has been for me, and I’ll keep learning.

Q) The importance of a big tournament like this at home

Maaya – Last time it happened, it was in 2022. I remember watching it on TV. I’m very excited. As soon as the tournament was announced four or five months ago, I was sure that maybe I might get a chance to play. I have been looking forward to it since then. I’ve been training well as well. The schedule has been going according to it.

I watched Ankita (Raina) play Tatjana Maria live on centre court. I was myself playing Junior AITA tournaments back then.

Q) You’ve been travelling a lot for tournaments. So you’ve not stayed in Europe for long despite being based in Europe.

Maaya – That’s how it is for all pros. You are always travelling. And to be honest, every tournament I have travelled for, wherever I play, has turned out to be the best experience of my life. Lots to learn. Always very positive. I don’t see any negative side of it.

I’m based in the Rafa Nadal Academy. I train there, I travel for tournaments, and I come back there. Most of the time, I have a coach accompanying me. This week I don’t, since it’s just one week and in India.

Q) How is your Spanish coming along? Taking lessons?

Maaya – Were you the one who asked me the same question a few months ago?

Q) Yes. Great memory. Just checking again (laughs)

Maaya – I’m in Grade 10 now. For now, I’ve got so many things ahead of me. For now, the goal is to pass Grade 10 in the best way possible. Spanish is not that great. I can understand, but it’s not there yet.

Q) Any books you’ve been reading? You had told me you like reading

Maaya – I’ve been reading a book called ‘The Power Of Meaning’. It’s related to a class in my school. The book teaches you that you have to do things that you like. If you don’t, you’re not going to do well.

Q) Your plan for the next two months

Maaya – The plan now is probably not accurate. But I might go to the US for a couple of weeks and go to Mexico for ITF Junior tournaments. I’ll probably play Orange Bowl and Eddie Herr.

Q) Hailing from Coimbatore, is Nirupama Sanjeev one of your inspirations?

Maaya – She is. I’ve seen her twice. Her daughter played the circuit for a bit as well. Sahana did. So I’ve seen her two-three times, yeah!