Vaishnavi Adkar Scripts History: Becomes Only the Second Indian to Win a Tennis Medal at the World University Games!
Indian tennis celebrated a landmark moment on the courts of Rhine-Ruhr as 20-year-old Vaishnavi Adkar stormed into the women’s singles semifinals at the 2025 World University Games (WUG), securing India’s second-ever medal in tennis at the prestigious Universiade.
In a composed and confident performance, Vaishnavi defeated home favourite Sina Herrmann of Germany in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, confirming India’s second medal of this edition and etching her name in history alongside legendary names.
A Historic Feat, 46 Years in the Making
For Indian tennis, medals at the Universiade have been extraordinarily rare. Before Vaishnavi, the only Indian to win a medal in tennis at the World University Games was the legendary Nandan Bal, who achieved the feat way back in 1979. Nearly half a century later, Vaishnavi Adkar becomes the second Indian and the first Indian woman to clinch this honour.
This isn’t just another medal: it’s a testament to a young athlete breaking barriers and proving that Indian tennis can still shine on the global student sports stage.
Calm Under Pressure Against the Home Favourite
Facing Germany’s Sina Herrmann on her home turf was never going to be easy. Yet, Vaishnavi looked fearless right from the start. She raced through the first set 6-1, dominating baseline exchanges and making very few unforced errors.
The second set was more competitive, with Herrmann pushing hard to stage a comeback. But Vaishnavi held her nerve, playing the big points smartly and closing out the set 6-4 a performance marked by maturity well beyond her 20 years.
Not Just Singles, Doubles Success Too!
Vaishnavi’s dream day didn’t end there. Partnering with Atharva Sharma, she also advanced to the mixed doubles quarterfinals, beating the American duo Center/Barton 6-2, 7-5. The Indian pair now stand just one win away from guaranteeing another medal for India in the mixed doubles event.
It speaks volumes about Vaishnavi’s fitness and determination playing back-to-back matches and delivering top-level tennis in both.
Guided by Legacy: The Coach Behind the Champion
Behind every sporting success is often a story of quiet dedication. Vaishnavi has been coached by Kedar Shah for the last ten years. Interestingly, Kedar Shah himself was mentored by none other than Nandan Bal India’s first Universiade tennis medallist.
That beautiful thread connecting Nandan Bal’s achievement in 1979 to Vaishnavi’s historic medal in 2025 makes this moment even more special. It shows how a legacy of belief, discipline, and hard work can bridge generations.
For Indian tennis fans, this isn’t just about a medal. It’s about belief:
- That young Indian players can challenge and beat top opponents on big stages.
- That with support, structure, and coaching, Indian tennis can thrive internationally.
- And that names like Vaishnavi Adkar can inspire a whole new generation of girls to pick up the racket.
Her achievement also brings attention to the often-overlooked World University Games, an event that has historically produced future stars across many sports.
Quick Recap of Vaishnavi Adkar’s Historic Feat:
Beat Germany’s Sina Herrmann 6-1, 6-4 in the women’s singles quarterfinals
Becomes only the second Indian (and first Indian woman) to secure a tennis medal at the Universiade
Confirms India’s second medal at the 2025 World University Games
Advanced to the mixed doubles quarterfinals with partner Atharva Sharma after defeating Center/Barton (USA) 6-2, 7-5
Just one more win away from ensuring another mixed doubles medal
With a medal already secured, Vaishnavi’s journey isn’t over. She’ll now aim to go a step further and play for a place in the final. The semifinals promise to be tough, with opponents from nations strong in university tennis but Vaishnavi has already shown she belongs.
In mixed doubles, another medal is also within touching distance if she and Atharva Sharma can win their quarterfinal.
A Star in the Making
At just 20, Vaishnavi Adkar has already achieved what very few have managed in Indian tennis. Beyond medals and statistics, what stands out is her composure, hunger, and ability to deliver when it matters most.
As the World University Games continue, India’s hopes rest on her racket and whatever happens next, she’s already carved her place in history.
👏 Congratulations, Vaishnavi Adkar! 🇮🇳🌟
Thank you for giving Indian tennis fans a moment to remember and here’s wishing you the very best for the semifinals!
#VaishnaviAdkar #WorldUniversityGames2025 #IndianTennis #Medal #HistoryMakers #TeamIndia 🇮🇳🎾🏅
