Bengaluru, Jan 28 (NationPress) Aradhya Kshitij, a 17-year-old tennis prodigy from Bengaluru, is making remarkable strides in the junior tennis arena. After clinching the ITF J200 Kolkata title, he is now determined to transition into the professional circuit with an unyielding mindset. This approach was essential during his time in Kolkata.

Kshitij embarked on his tennis journey at the tender age of four, spurred on by his teacher's recommendation to harness his boundless energy. His skills were honed at the Transform Tennis Academy. He completed his education at Prakriya Green Wisdom School and opted for an online program with Laurel Springs. With his father serving in the Merchant Navy on a rotational basis, Kshitij has primarily been accompanied by his mother, who resigned from her teaching position to support him full-time.

Before the tournament, Kshitij struggled with early exits in his last two competitions, which had taken a toll on his confidence.

“I was feeling quite low. To be honest, I didn’t even want to participate in the Kolkata tournament. However, something shifted in my mindset. I realized I shouldn't be focused on proving anything to anyone; instead, I should just play freely and see what unfolds,” he reflected.

Ranked sixth in the draw, Kshitij's path to the title showcased incredible resilience. In the semifinals, he faced the top seed, Eyad Reda Ezzat Mohamed Sherif from Egypt, a match that tested both his patience and self-belief. After dropping the first set, Kshitij regained his focus and gradually seized control to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

The final was no less challenging against Dongjae Kim from Korea. Once again, Kshitij found himself trailing after the first set but mounted a fierce comeback to win the match. The final set culminated in a tense tiebreak, where he maintained his composure to secure a narrow victory at 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(3).

“I lost the first set in both the semifinals and finals; I had to fight back. The key difference this time was my refusal to give up. My mindset was straightforward: just keep playing. That match embodied what I aimed for throughout the week; even when down a set, I remained calm and told myself to keep fighting and not surrender any point,” he reflected.

This victory marked Kshitij's first title at the J200 level, yet it symbolizes earlier achievements in his career. At 14, he secured his first ITF title at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru, having also come back from a set down in that final.

“Bengaluru is one of my favorite cities to compete in, alongside some European venues, as that’s where I won my inaugural ITF title. Even then, I had to rally back from a set down,” he reminisced. “Such matches are invaluable; they teach you that perseverance can lead to change.”

With a European tour on the horizon, potential men’s tournaments approaching, and junior Grand Slams in his sights, the J200 Kolkata title feels more like a stepping stone than the ultimate achievement.

“I aspire to remain a warrior on the court, to fight for every point, regardless of the score,” Kshitij concluded.