For Maaya Rajeshware, Mumbai Open was 2025 game changer. At just 15 years she made her debut WTA and received from Sania Mirza in 2005, which in 2005 was no Indian woman-qualification for the semifinals of the home event WTA. From the not healing the rising star, it has risen to the TOP 700 and became the youngest player among active competitors.
Although she had never met the Top-300’s opponent before, Maaya has increased her game to beat players with a higher rating on his way to the semifinals. Her dreams eventually ended up against Jil Teichmann, former world No. 21, which is the most important in direct sets. Maaya, now in the world, has now ranked 646 in the world, has taken significant steps to establish professional tennis.
After her impressive performance, she won a place at Rafael Nadal Academy, where she trained alongside the Philippines of Alexandra Eal -who recently defeated three Grand Slam champions in a row: Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Iga Swiatlek in Miami Open. Maaya also had Maaya at the Academy The opportunity to practice under the alert eye of Rafael Nadal And to train with his former coach Toni Nadal. Maaya Rajeshwarn recently played in the Mumbai Open semifinals. Courtesy: Instagram
Maaya Rajeshware Results in Mumbai
Qualifiers
1. Bike: Beat Nicole Fossa Huergo-World No.264 (Italy) 6-3, 3-6, 6-0
Bike 2: Beat Jessica Failla-World No.434 (USA) 7-6 (9), 1-6, 6-4
Draw
1. Bike: Beat Iryna Shymanovich-World No.225 (Belarus) 6-4, 6-1
2. Bike: Beat Zarina Diyas-Orld No.353 (Kazakhstan) 6-3, 3-2 (retirement)
Quarterfinals: Beat Mei Yamaguchi-Orld No.285 (Japan) 6-4, 3-6, 6-2
Semifinals: Lost with Jil Teichmann-World no.117 (Switzerland) 3-6, 1-6
India Today Digital recently caught up with Maaya at an exclusive chat where she talked about her remarkable journey to Mumbai Open and her training experience at Rafael Nadal Academy in Majorce. The young man from Coimbatore also opened on his Touzs to stand with the world 1 and won the titles Grand Slam in the future. Maaya Rajeshwaren debuted WTA in Mumbai Open. Regions: Instagram
Here are several excerpts from Maaya Rajeshware’s interview
The debut at the WTA event as a participant in the representative emblem is beating players with a higher rating and semifinals. Talk to each piece of the emotions you have gone in Mumbai Open.
The funniest part is that Mumbai was not part of my original plan. I was awarded a surplus sign and I am really grateful for this opportunity.
Because I entered as a surplus sign, no one noticed me first. But when I started winning matches, I started to get more attention – especially after I qualified. The victory in the first round felt great because I played well, but from the moment I received a surplus sign, my goal was not just to win the match-it was qualified. So after my victory in the first round I was not completely satisfied. It is not that I was not happy, but the focus is already focused on the final qualification round because the qualification was my final goal.
I think the last qualifying match was one of the best I’ve ever played throughout the tournament. It was one of my best tennis and I really enjoyed the match. When I finally qualified, I was really happy with my success.
As for the match with the first round of the main draw, compared to the final qualifying round it was a little easier. I was pleased with how I played, but the way my opponent left in the second round was not the way I would like to win. At the end of the day, however, was the most important thing.
The quarterfinals were special. The last point of this match gave me one of the best feelings I’ve ever had after victory. I won several junior tournaments and I did well at several events, but this success felt different. It made me think, “Maybe I’m good. Maybe things work for me.” That moment meant a lot to me.
As already mentioned, I would not say that I was fully satisfied because I still lost in the semifinals. I think I could call really happy if I won the whole tournament. Hopefully I will play much more tournaments like this. Maaya Rajeshwaren has never faced the top 300 players in front of an open Bombai player. Courtesy: Instagram
Rohan Bopanna recently rated you very high and legendary Billie Jean King also congratulated you. Any message you have for them?
It’s very kind and I’m really happy and grateful. One thing that excels in me is how actively both involved in sports right now. They paid great attention to junior players and I am really grateful to have noticed me.
Hearing from Rohan and Billie Jean was something special. There are certain compliments and comments that can actually create your day, and they both did it for me. My parents showed me what they said, and that really pleased me when I knew I was so positively recognized.
Conf willing compliments can be a huge strengthening of trust, and that was in my case a perfect example. Their words really motivated me.
When did you decide to take tennis as a profession and who inspired you on your journey?
Actually, I started playing tennis when I was eight, but I decided to go at ten. During this journey, my parents were a huge source of support.
If I had to name inspiration, it would be my dad. He never pushed me to do sports professionally, but he always wanted to involve me in sports. He strongly believed that sports ubiquitous discipline, and especially that tennis is one of the healthiest sports. For him, the main reasons why he introduced me to tennis, discipline and overall health.
At first I played it as another extracurricular activity. But when I decided to go in favor, the unwavering support of my parents gave me confidence in my believe in myself. That was the moment I realized it – maybe it could be really. Maaya Rajeshwaran broke into the TOP 700 WTA ranking. Courtesy: Instagram
What is your ultimate ambition and goal after your magnificent debut in WTA events?
My final ambition in tennis is to become world number one and win Grand Slams. I know it’s what every player says, but for me it’s more than just titles. Before I end my career, I want to feel that I really achieved something – that I gave my absolutely best. Whatever I get, as far as I know I gave it all, I will be happy with it.
What was the experience of training on Rafael Nadal Academy? Did you have butterflies in your stomach when Nadal watched you exercise?
I definitely did it! I think many people felt the same. The day before we knew that Rafa was coming, but I still didn’t expect it to be really shown. It was really a kind of him to descend and watch. Besides, he even gave us advice, which was amazing.
So far, the experience has been incredible. I didn’t realize here too long because I was traveling to tournaments and I was in India for a month. But overall it was a great experience. Maaya Rajeshware trains at Rafael Nadal Academy. Courtesy: Instagram
What are the features of Rafael Nadal that you like most?
In addition to being an incredible tennis player, he is also a great person. There is nothing in his career he has not achieved, but his determination and passion remain unchanged.
For the first time I saw him playing when he was preparing for the Davis Cup, during my first visit to the Academy. This match proved to be his latest appearance Davis Cup. Although he won 22 big slams and fulfilled everything in sport, he still showed the same hunger in practice. Although he missed several shots, he was frustrated – he showed how much he still cares for improvement.
This kind of drive and motivation is something that every athlete should have.
There is also your picture with Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal. Tell us about any advice you got from him?
Recently, he also trained me a bit for his technique and I think he’s an incredibly well -informed person. It’s not just my opinion – many people say the same. He has been on a long time and helped to shape not only a champion, but a man as a rafa.
I am really grateful to take the time to train me. He shared so many technical knowledge and one thing I really appreciate is how they descend, coach and really encourage young players. They inspire you in many ways, not only through their words, but also through their own ways.
It is someone who was there and did it all, so learning from him was an amazing experience. Maaya Rajeshware is one of the brightest prospects in Indian tennis. Courtesy: Instagram
Tell us about any difference between training in India, where tennis continues to grow as a sport, and Spain, which has already created players such as Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Paul Bados and Garbine Muguruza.
Frankly, at this point, I will not notice my main difference. Maybe a few years after a row, but if I go back to India now, there are a lot of players at my academy who could beat me in direct sets. It is not that in India I see a lack of competitive environment or coaching quality. I trained at a very good academy and I was in great hands.
I don’t see a significant difference for now. After a certain level, no one has to teach you basic techniques such as backhand – it is more of an improvement in small tactical aspects. Here I could be surrounded by more experienced people like Tony and others, but overall the difference is not huge.
Sania Mirza is the torch of Indian female tennis. What aspects of her games do you want to instill in your game?
Sania was from a generation in front of me, so I didn’t see much of her game, but I heard a lot about it. Many people from her era say her forehand had incredible strength and poison. In fact, most of the current Indian coaches were part of its generation and often mention how deadly its forehand is.
This is definitely something I would like to have in my game. I enjoy playing aggressively and having a forehand like her would be a huge force for me. Maaya Rajshwaran longs to be the world of no.
Mirra Andreeva recently became the youngest WTA 1000 champion at the age of 17 and supported it with the title in Indian Wells. Does this motivate you to be teens yourself to take Indian tennis to higher heights?
Compared to previously, India now sees many promising junior prospects. It’s not just me – I see that many other juniors work really well. In particular, Mirra is a great example of how much tennis is developing globally.
Read also: 17 -year -old Mirry History Andreeva Scripts to become the youngest WTA 1000 champion
In the past, many players have found success at the age of 15, but since sport has become harder and physically demanding, most of the best players now tend to break through at 18, 19, or even 20. But Mirra proves that young players can still succeed at the highest level in today’s game. Right now he is one of the best examples, and hopefully many others will follow her traces.
One of the girls from the Academy, Alexander Eal, recently led very well in Miami Open. Did you have any interaction with her or did you get a chance to exercise with her?
I have practiced with her several times since playing in Mumbai. One thing that excels – not only for me, but for all – is how anchored and humble.
Also read: Miami Open: IgA Swiatlek Overdue Rafael Nadal Academy 19 -year -old graduate
I have shared interviews with her several times, and as someone who communicated closely with her, I can say that it is truly open to the opinions of others. He listens, engages and is not a type he maintains too much. He is a very friendly person.
Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
31 March 2025
