The next generation of Indian tennis is making its presence felt at the US Open junior qualifiers, with promising wins from Hitesh Chauhan and Rethin Pranav Senthil Kumar, both moving to within a step of the boys’ singles main draw.
Seventh seed Hitesh Chauhan produced a dominant performance against J. Gaines, cruising to a 6-2, 6-4 victory in the first round of qualifying. His aggressive baseline play and composure in closing out the second set highlighted the maturity he has developed on the junior circuit this season. Meanwhile, 13th seed Rethin Pranav Senthil Kumar continued his steady progress on the international stage. He defeated Z. Cohen 6-4, 6-4 in a closely contested match that tested his consistency and shot selection.
The straight-sets win means Senthil now stands just one victory away from his first US Open main draw appearance.
For Senthil, this stage carries extra significance. Last year, he fell short in the final qualifying round against the USA’s Hance, losing 5-7, 2-6. That experience, however, seems to have added to his resilience. His 2025 run shows greater confidence and determination to cross the final hurdle.
Next Challenges Await
Both Indians will face tough opponents in the decisive round of qualifying:
- Hitesh Chauhan will meet Matijasic, a rising European junior known for his powerful serve.
- Rethin Pranav Senthil Kumar faces Tomizawa of Japan, a technically sound player with strong defensive skills.
A win for either would secure a coveted place in the boys’ singles main draw at Flushing Meadows.
It was not all good news for the Indian contingent, as 16th seed Arjun Rathi bowed out in the opening round. He went down to Augustin 3-6, 0-6, unable to find his rhythm against the higher tempo of play. For Rathi, this experience will serve as another valuable stepping stone in adapting to the demands of top-level junior Grand Slam competition.
The presence of multiple Indian juniors in the US Open qualifiers reflects the steady rise of the country’s talent pool. While the road to breaking through at the senior Grand Slam level is a long one, success at the junior Grand Slams provides invaluable exposure to international competition and pressure situations. For Hitesh and Senthil, the next match could be career-defining. A place in the main draw not only brings global recognition but also sets the stage for deeper runs that could accelerate their progression into the professional ranks.
As Indian fans track their progress, the hope remains that these youngsters can follow in the footsteps of past trailblazers and build a stronger foundation for Indian tennis at the highest stage.
