Bengaluru, Feb 19 (.) Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is setting her sights on success at the upcoming French Open, as the 16-year-old continues her steady rise on the international circuit following a competitive outing at the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100 Bengaluru 2026.
“The environment is great at the Rafa Nadal Academy because you are surrounded by athletes, and I study there as well. It has turned into a second home. I will now look to play more on clay courts, with the French Open coming up. The immediate aim is to do well in the Junior Grand Slams,” she said.
The Coimbatore youngster suffered a narrow three-set defeat to fifth seed Polina Iatcenko in the opening round of the singles main draw. However, she bounced back strongly in the doubles competition, partnering compatriot and close friend Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty to defeat an all-Indian pair and advance to the quarterfinals.
Coming into the Bengaluru event after appearances in Mumbai and Pune, Maaya has been gaining valuable exposure against higher-ranked opponents. Her growth has been shaped by strong grassroots training in India and advanced preparation at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where she trains and studies.
Reflecting on her journey, Maaya said she began taking tennis seriously at the age of 10. A breakthrough came when she won the Under-12 Nationals in 2022, a victory she describes as an eye-opener.
“When I entered the ITF juniors, I had a 25-match winning streak, won four tournaments in a row, and reached major quarterfinals and semifinals. Winning the J300 in Delhi brought me closer to the Grand Slams, so it has been a great start for me so far,” she said.
In Bengaluru, a city she holds close to her heart, Maaya once again found valuable lessons. Her first-ever tennis tournament was an Under-10 event in the city, where she lost in the opening round but discovered her love for competition.
“I’ve always liked playing in Bangalore. In the Under-14s, I had one of my better results here, and most of the times I’ve played on these courts, it’s been very good for me,” she said.
With the clay-court season approaching, Maaya plans to return to the Rafa Nadal Academy to fine-tune her preparations.
“The environment is great at the academy because you are surrounded by athletes, and I study there as well. It has turned into a second home. I will now look to play more on clay courts, with the French Open coming up. The immediate aim is to do well in the Junior Grand Slams,” she added.
As she continues to focus on experience, physical development and mental strength, Maaya remains confident that rankings and results will follow.
. . KK