Bengaluru, Oct 13 (NationPress) At just 13 years old, Srishti Kiran is being recognized as one of India’s most promising young tennis talents. She is now preparing to showcase her abilities on the challenging US junior circuit.

Ranked No. 16 in the U-14 Girls category in India, the Bengaluru native has been steadily advancing in the junior ranks. She is gearing up for a significant challenge in her young career, participating in a series of tournaments in the United States, including the renowned Junior Orange Bowl in Florida this December.

Srishti played a pivotal role in leading India to its first-ever Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) U-12 Girls’ Team Championship title in 2023, remaining undefeated throughout the event. Her outstanding performance on the Asian circuit attracted attention, resulting in an opportunity to train at the esteemed RPS Academy in Florida under the guidance of acclaimed coach Gabe Jaramillo, after being discovered at the ATF’s Orange Ball program.

This transition offers her world-class experiences but comes with sacrifices at a young age. “The hardest part has been being away from home, missing my mom and Bengaluru. I get by calling her whenever possible. But I truly miss the food, the people, and the weather,” she shared.

Despite these hurdles, she accepts the sacrifices as essential to her journey toward excellence. “Without sacrifices, you cannot become a good player,” she stated.

Srishti, the youngest player to clinch back-to-back All India Tennis Association (AITA) U-10 Championships, began her tennis journey at the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) in Bengaluru when she was just four and a half years old. She fondly recalls her first day on the court, holding a racket nearly as large as herself.

“I remember coming to my first tennis class at KSLTA. I was shorter than the net, clutching a racket, but I instantly fell in love with the game,” she reminisced.

Over the years, KSLTA has been crucial in nurturing her talent, offering not only training but also a supportive environment. “KSLTA has been a significant support system for me, especially Sunil Yajaman sir (Jt. Secretary, KSLTA). Everyone here has helped me in one way or another. It truly felt like home,” she expressed.

Her resilience was evident in her recent performance at the KSLTA-ITF Juniors at SM Krishna Stadium, where she reached the quarterfinals, showcasing her growing talent.

Srishti proudly represented India internationally at the age of 10. She attributes her progress to the unwavering support from her parents, along with the guidance of her coaches and mentors, both in India and abroad. Among the many lessons she learned, one stood out: her coach Gabe’s consistent reminder, “Regardless of your condition, stay focused and give it your all.” With heartfelt appreciation, she added, “I want to thank all my coaches for their support and motivation. Their belief in me drives me forward.”

Srishti also draws inspiration from American tennis sensation Coco Gauff, noting the similarities in their playing styles. “From her hitting technique to her movement, my game aligns closely with hers. I really admire and learn from her,” she stated.

Looking ahead, her immediate objectives are to perform well at the upcoming Junior Orange Bowl and the IMG Academy International Tennis Championships in Florida later this year.

Her long-term aspirations are clearly defined: “In 10 years, I aim to be World No. 1, win an Olympic medal, and lift a Grand Slam for my country. That is my ultimate vision,” she expressed.