Indian tennis has many juniors striving laborious to make a mark and forge their path in direction of changing into professionals.
Whereas there is no such thing as a dearth of effort from most, some stand out to the discerning eye, like Tavish Pahwa, who wound up 2024 because the nation’s No. 1 in each the under-16 and under-14 sections.
The most effective analysis of such a expertise is completed by a coach of appreciable calibre, like Australian Todd Clark, who has been related to Indian tennis for about 15 years.
Having labored with Tavish for a few 12 months and a half, he believes the 15-year-old will quickly be “a reputation to observe” on the worldwide stage.
“Athletically gifted, Tavish has wonderful motion, pace and agility on the court docket. His means to cowl all areas of the court docket, paired with a pointy tactical thoughts, units him other than his friends,” Todd defined.
“He reads the sport exceptionally nicely, usually anticipating his opponent’s strikes and devising efficient methods to counter them. His composure and court docket consciousness are uncommon qualities for somebody of his age.”
Additional analysing the teen, Todd spoke extremely about his technical and psychological capabilities.
“Tavish’s recreation is constructed on robust fundamentals. Whereas all facets of his recreation are clear, targeted work is ongoing to refine his serve and return to show them into defining weapons,” he mentioned.
Tavish is a fierce competitor and enjoys being within the thick of battle, towards high quality opponents who push him laborious to carry out his finest.
“There was a marked enchancment in his emotional management and self-discipline, on and off the court docket. With continued publicity to high-level competitors, his means to make sound choices beneath stress will solely enhance,” Todd mentioned.
The coach is understandably proud that Tavish has been capable of again his case by ending the 12 months as No. 1 in each under-14 and under-16 in 2024.
“Other than ending final 12 months as No. 1 within the nation in each under-14 and under-16, Tavish additionally received the Nationwide under-16 title. He secured his first ITF singles title in Colombo. These milestones mark Tavish as one of many nation’s most promising younger abilities,” he mentioned.
Tavish, who has slipped to No. 3 within the nation within the under-16 rankings, not too long ago received all his matches towards the Prime 5 seeds within the choice trials for the Junior Davis Cup group.
Moderately than attempting to play extra tournaments and keep as No. 1, Tavish and his household determined to go to Europe in March to take a look at 5 of the world’s finest tennis centres, together with Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain, Patrik Mourtoglou centre in France, and the Piatti Centre in Italy.
Todd believes that Tavish must set himself up in Europe to achieve the required publicity every time he enters the skilled grind.
European pit cease
“Like lots of India’s high abilities earlier than him, Tavish should look past home borders. Coaching in Europe would supply the intensive, high-level atmosphere important for his progress,” Todd identified.
“Gamers like Sumit Nagal, Sasikumar Mukund and Manas Dhamne have all benefited from related pathways. Not too long ago, Maaya Rajeshwaran made the transfer to Rafael Nadal Academy to additional her growth.”
Tavish received a style of Europe final 12 months as a part of the Asian under-14 group, an expertise Todd believes gave him “a priceless benchmark” for assessing his present degree and figuring out areas that want refinement.
Tavish’s mother and father Seema and Gaurav, who’ve been diligently shaping the boy’s profession, are grateful for the well timed help, particularly from the Shiv Nadar College in Faridabad, the place he’s enrolled.
Robust help system
“The help of Tavish’s faculty has been a game-changer. The college has stood by him as a pillar of energy, serving to Tavish to pursue his sporting targets with out compromising on his teachers. We’re additionally deeply grateful to Shiv Nadar Basis and HCL Tech for his or her beneficiant monetary help that has helped his profession in so many various methods, together with the go to to Europe to discover a appropriate academy,” mentioned Seema.
The mom was blissful that Tavish may go to 5 of the very best teaching centres in Europe, with appointments facilitated by the IMG, the main sports activities administration firm.
“Coaches at these academies expressed eager curiosity in working with Tavish and indicated the potential for providing scholarships,” mentioned Seema.
Costly affair
Whereas Tavish is on the point of symbolize the nation within the Junior Davis Cup Asia-Oceania occasion in Kazakhstan, other than representing Haryana within the Khelo India Video games, the household is working laborious to assemble the monetary help to satisfy the bills of preserving him in one of many prestigious academies in Europe.
“There isn’t a dearth of expertise in India. Nevertheless, one of many greatest challenges stays funding. The excessive value of worldwide journey, teaching, and tools usually limits alternatives for younger athletes.
“With out ample monetary help, even probably the most gifted prospects face important hurdles in reaching their potential,” pressured Todd.
Tavish’s aim is to be within the high 100 of the world junior rankings by subsequent 12 months and get into the junior Grand Slams.
Revealed – Might 02, 2025 12:26 am IST
