Wimbledon Qualifiers: Maaya Rajeshwaran Headlines India’s Junior Contingent

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Wimbledon Qualifiers: Maaya Rajeshwaran Headlines India’s Junior Contingent with Confidence and Backing

At just 16 years of age, Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is rapidly becoming one of the most watched names in Indian tennis. And as she steps onto the grass courts of Wimbledon for the Girls’ Singles Qualifying Draw at the 2025 Championships, all eyes are firmly on her.

Seeded No.1 in the qualifiers, Maaya begins her campaign against China’s Shiyu Ye, a player ranked significantly lower than her both on the junior and senior circuits. On paper, it looks like a straightforward task but Maaya’s journey, preparation, and the expectations riding on her make this an important milestone.

Maaya enters this year’s Wimbledon qualifiers ranked No. 57 in the ITF Junior rankings and No. 653 on the WTA charts. Her opponent, Shiyu Ye, lags well behind, ranked No. 127 in juniors and No. 1427 on the WTA. The numbers tell a clear story Maaya holds a significant edge. But numbers don’t always win matches. Wimbledon, with its history and pressure, tests more than rankings.

The draw appears favourable for the young Indian. Should she progress past Ye, she will face the winner of Tegan Bush (GBR) and Eugenia Zozaya Menendez (ESP) in the second round. There, too, Maaya will start as the favourite. Bush, ranked No. 1239 in WTA and 411 in juniors, faces Zozaya, an unranked WTA player but placed No. 85 in junior rankings. The level of competition is decent, but Maaya’s recent form suggests she should handle it with poise.

Her 2025 season has been nothing short of promising. In June, she etched her name in the record books by winning her maiden ITF J200 singles title in Gladbeck, Germany. The title came in dominant fashion, as she defeated Switzerland’s Noelia Manta 6-2, 6-4 in the final. That victory, in a competitive European field, demonstrated not just her physical preparedness but her mental growth as well. Winning abroad, on slower clay, with the pressure of expectations looming Maaya delivered.

Behind her rise lies a structured foundation. Earlier this year, Infosys announced its support for Maaya under its athletes’ development initiative. As part of this program, she will continue her training at the renowned Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca for the next two years.

The academy, known for producing battle-hardened professionals, offers Maaya access to elite coaching, world-class facilities, and regular competition with top-tier junior and professional players. In a sport where structured development can make all the difference, this backing is a game-changer.

Moreover, Maaya is now represented by 72 Sports in collaboration with Baseline Ventures. It’s the same agency that manages global names like Andrey Rublev, Alex de Minaur, Elina Svitolina, and Daria Kasatkina. This association reflects the growing confidence in Maaya’s potential not just in India, but globally. From sponsorships to schedule planning, such professional representation allows her to focus on what matters most tennis.

Her rise also signals a broader positive trend in Indian women’s tennis, which has long yearned for successors to Sania Mirza. With structured academies, international exposure, and increasing corporate interest, Maaya is part of a new breed young, focused, and prepared to play on equal footing with global peers. And Wimbledon offers the perfect stage for that narrative to unfold.

While Maaya leads the Indian challenge in the girls’ event, three young Indian boys Rethin Pranav Senthil Kumar, Hitesh Chauhan, and Arnav Vijay Paparkar are set to feature in the Boys’ Singles Qualifying draw. Of the trio, Arnav is seeded 15th and carries recent form, while Hitesh Chauhan, seeded 16th, also arrives with confidence. Rethin Pranav, meanwhile, has drawn the No.2 seed Linus Lagerbohm from Finland, presenting a tough opening challenge. Nonetheless, their inclusion in the qualifiers is reflective of the growing presence of Indian juniors at global events something that was sporadic even a few years ago.

But for now, the spotlight will largely remain on Maaya. As India’s top junior girl, a top seed in the qualifying draw, and with big names backing her, the expectations are high. Yet, she has shown before be it Gladbeck or the clay courts of Europe that she doesn’t shy away from big moments. Wimbledon will be different. The grass, the aura, the history all carry a unique pressure. But it also carries opportunity.

Maaya Rajeshwaran stands at a vital juncture in her young career. A good showing here could push her into the main draw of a Grand Slam, a dream moment for any junior. But beyond the draw and the rankings, it’s the composure, professionalism, and steady growth that stands out. Supported by Infosys, training at Nadal’s elite academy, and guided by global agents Maaya is not just another junior on the circuit. She’s a carefully nurtured project with the potential to reshape Indian tennis at the highest levels.

As she steps onto the grass at Roehampton for the opening round, Indian tennis fans will be watching, hoping, and believing. Wimbledon may just be the start of something much bigger.

Girls’ Singles Qualifying