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.
Precocious talent
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.”
To take her game to the next level, Maaya could focus on refining her first serve, enhancing her drop shot, and building greater physical strength. Over the next few years, prioritising fitness will be crucial, and with improvement in these areas, she can become one of India’s brightest prospects.
Speaking to The Hindu, Maaya’s coach, Manoj Kumar, shared his thoughts on her progress, areas for improvement and joining Nadal’s academy. “I first saw her in 2020 when she was just 10. What immediately struck me was her confidence. At that time, I never imagined she would achieve so much in such a short span. What stands out most about her is her mental fortitude — If I had to sum it up in one word, I would say fearless.
Swinging with freedom: Maaya’s attacking baseline game is characterised by deep groundstrokes off both flanks. | Photo credit: Emmanual Yogini
“There’s room for improvement in all aspects of her game — she’s still very young. If I were to single out one area, it would be consistency with her first serves. While her serve has become more powerful, the percentage of successful first serves needs to improve.
“Additionally, I’d like her to add more variety to her game by working on her net play. The positives, however, are that she’s a very aggressive baseline player, which is undoubtedly her strength.
Sharpening her game
“She has been able to compete in the ITF juniors circuit, initially in J30, J60, and J100 tournaments, and has shown amazing promise. At the start of last year, though, we did push her to a higher level of competition, and she struggled at first. But constant exposure to tougher competition has sharpened her game, and the results are now visible,” said Manoj.
“Two years ago, when she was 13, I told her parents that if she kept winning in the U-14, U-16, and U-18 categories, she’d need to consider moving to Europe. The competition there is unmatched, with tougher tournaments, top academies, and a high level of exposure. It’s the best place to unlock her full potential.
“Being noticed and training at Rafa’s academy is prestigious. Earning a full scholarship and having the chance to train with the best speaks volumes about her talent. It’s clear that they see something special in her. With the Mumbai tournament creating a buzz, she needs to focus on her game, and everything else will follow.”
Maaya has enjoyed tremendous success in the junior National ranks, winning titles in both singles and doubles across the U-12, U-14, U-16, and U-18 categories. 2023 proved to be a landmark year. Not only did she win 25 consecutive matches, but she also won an impressive five singles titles and three doubles titles on the ITF circuit.
In January 2025, she reached another major milestone by winning her sixth international singles title, the prestigious J300 event in Delhi, the biggest junior ITF triumph of her career so far.
Maaya’s travelling coach and former India player Shivika Burman reflected on what makes her ward special. “I’ve known her since she was 12. I first travelled with her for an under-12 tournament in Kazakhstan, representing India. The discipline she had doing all the small things right was amazing to watch.
Stepping it up: Coach Manoj Kumar believes ‘working on her net play’ and ‘improving the consistency of her first serve’ will help Maaya’s game develop further. | Photo credit: Emmanual Yogini
“Before the semifinal when all the other kids were falling ill, Maaya looked at me and said, ‘We’ve got this’. Though she lost to her opponent in that match, her attitude and the will to fight it out was just astounding.
“She has a very different game compared to the rest of the kids. She is super aggressive. Not just that, but she has an amazing mind as well. There’s something about her that makes her special. At that age, to have that kind of confidence is phenomenal.”
It’s hard to believe Maaya is only 15 when you observe the poise with which she carries herself. She exudes an undeniable sense of assurance, yet remains grounded and thoughtful in the way she speaks. Her quiet, powerful self-belief sets her apart from her peers.
Support system
This exceptional quality possibly owes itself in some part to her support system, her parents. For Rajeshwaran, employed at Mondelez International (Cadbury), nothing is sweeter than seeing his daughter thrive in a competitive atmosphere. Her unassuming mother Revathi radiates an incredible calmness, which can be seen in Maaya’s on-court performances.
Maaya first picked up a racquet at the age of eight, training at a small academy in Salem, Tamil Nadu, where her father was stationed. Within a few years, as her talent began to unfold, Rajeshwaran, the family’s sole provider, relocated them to Coimbatore in search of better tennis prospects. To support her coaching and living expenses, he took out loans, all while continuing to work in Salem.
While Rajeshwaran continues to work tirelessly to support them, Revathi focuses on nurturing Maaya’s dreams. Their shared commitment to Maaya’s future has led them to make great sacrifices, united by their belief in her potential.
Having debuted in the WTA rankings at World No. 646 after her Mumbai run, Maaya’s journey has just begun. The world is watching as she looks to craft one magical moment at a time.
Published – February 15, 2025 12:46 am IST
