With one junior Grand Slam main draw experience already under her belt, Indian junior tennis star Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is feeling more at ease in Melbourne, where she will compete in the Australian Open juniors event, which begins today.
The 16-year-old, ranked No. 56 in the ITF junior rankings, made her junior Grand Slam main draw debut at the US Open last year. She won her opening-round match before exiting in the second round an experience she believes will stand her in good stead as she prepares for her first-round match in Melbourne on Sunday against Russia’s Anna Pushkareva, who is ranked No. 39.
“I feel much more at ease this time and I feel like I belong here more compared to my first Grand Slam at the US Open. Having that experience already makes a big difference, and I’m really looking forward to playing,” Rajeshwaran Revathi told India Sports Hub in an exclusive interview from Melbourne.
“I’ve been really excited heading into 2026 and especially the Australian Open. My preparations have been going well, and I feel like I’ve put in good work leading up to the tournament. I’m just looking forward to getting out on court and competing.”
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Rajeshwaran Revathi has also carried solid form into the first Grand Slam of the season, particularly in doubles a format she enjoys and finds challenging. She won the Orange Bowl title in December and reached the final of the ITF J300 event in Traralgon earlier this week.
“I do enjoy doubles. I think it’s a great way to work on different skills, especially at the net and in tight situations. It can be very intense as well, so it’s not just practice, it’s competitive and challenging,” she said.
Following the Australian Open, the teenager is likely to return to play among the pros at the WTA 125K Mumbai Open, where she made a breakthrough last season by coming through the qualifiers and reaching the semi-finals.
“If I get the opportunity to play the Indian women’s tournaments, I would definitely love to. Mumbai has been a very special place for me, so I’d be really excited to play the WTA Mumbai Open again,” she added.
While expectations continue to rise around her, Rajeshwaran Revathi, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, is keeping the focus on steady improvement through the season.
“The goals are pretty simple , to keep getting fitter, stronger, and to feel better on court every day. It’s just the start of the year, and wherever I play, I’m going to go out there, compete hard, and give my best,” she signs off.
