Rishi Reddy is a 19-year-old tennis prospect from Bangalore. After another grueling day of tennis, I catch up with up with him at Coffee Café Day (CCD), Indiranagar before he rushes of for his fitness regime in the evening. He is currently ranked in top 3 in Karnataka and ranked no 78 in India in the Men`s section.

First encounter with tennis – As an 8-year-old old

Family – Both his parents are doctors who have been supportive of his tennis

Education – He has left proper education since his school days and have totally dedicated himself to tennis. Currently pursuing BBA long distance program

Love for tennis – Tennis is his first love and rest can wait

Favourite Player – Roger Federer for his class and Rafael Nadal for his fighting qualities

Wanderer – He started off his formative years in Bangalore. Then he travelled to train in Pune, Hyderabad and now again back to Bangalore.

Training Academy – Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA)

Why RBTA? –

• Coaches including the experienced Aubrey Barrett who has worked with top players in the world
• Rohan Bopanna`s close involvement helping with his experience in the tour
• Good hitting partners as his peers including Nishep Ballekere are joining the academy

Daily Schedule – 3 hours of tennis during the day and 1 and half hour of fitness

Fitness Training – At Peak Performance under Yash Pandey, who also travels with India`s Davis Cup team

Playing Strength – Strong game and stamina. Body is even prepared to play five sets

Weakness – Feels that he is mentally not strong

Work on mental strength – Works under Arjun Gautam to improve his mental conditioning

Total no of tournaments for 2018– To play around 23 ITF Futures across the world, out of which 6 will be in India

Foreign Academy – Planning to train in RV Tennis Academy in Barcelona

Why RV Tennis Academy –

• Unlike for example Rafa Nadal Academy, RV Tennis Academy is only into tennis training and does not include academics in it. Thus, it is focussed only on tennis
• His best friend Vasisht Cheruku also trains there

Short term goal – to get his first ATP point

Long term goal – to play Davis Cup, Olympics and Grand Slams

Next Stop – To go to Vietnam and Egypt to play ITF Futures Tourneys

Seeing his endless dedication and commitments towards his sport, we all wish him all the very best for a bright future.