Prajnesh Gunneswaran Calls Time on His Tennis Career
Indian tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran has announced his retirement from professional tennis at the age of 35. The former Asian Games bronze medalist shared the news on social media on Friday, November 15, 2024, marking the end of his long and storied career.
In his retirement statement, Gunneswaran wrote: “Hanging up my racquet. Thank you.” Reflecting on his journey, he shared his feelings of gratitude and nostalgia, stating that tennis had been his sanctuary and greatest teacher for over three decades.
A Career Full of Achievements and Setbacks
Throughout his career, Gunneswaran achieved several key milestones, including a career-high ATP ranking of No. 75 in singles. His most notable achievement came in 2018 when he earned a bronze medal in men’s singles at the Asian Games in Jakarta. The victory brought him widespread recognition in India and solidified his place among the country’s top tennis players.
Starting tennis at the age of five in Chennai, Gunneswaran quickly rose through the ranks, winning national titles in every age category. Despite a career filled with promise, he faced numerous challenges, including a significant injury to his left arm in 2009, which temporarily halted his progress. However, his resilience allowed him to continue pursuing his tennis dreams.
Overcoming Challenges and Making Key Decisions
Gunneswaran’s journey was not always smooth. After his injury in 2009, he received scholarship offers from top U.S. universities, including Harvard, but opted to attend the University of Tennessee, known for its strong tennis program. In 2010, he chose to leave college and pursue a professional career in tennis, a decision that would shape the rest of his life.
Early on, Gunneswaran participated in ITF and ATP Challenger events but struggled to break into the upper echelons of the ATP Tour. Despite these challenges, 2018 became a breakthrough year for him. He clinched two ATP Challenger titles—the Kunming Open and Bengaluru Open—and made his debut for India in the Davis Cup. His performance in the French Open qualifying rounds that year also helped boost his career.
A Successful 2019: Major Career Milestones
The year 2019 marked a turning point in Prajnesh Gunneswaran’s career. He made history by qualifying for the main draws of all four Grand Slam tournaments, including his debut at the Australian Open. That year, he also secured spots in prestigious ATP events such as the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open.
His career-high ATP ranking of No. 75 enabled him to compete in the main draw at Wimbledon, where he faced Milos Raonic in the opening round. Despite a first-round exit, Gunneswaran’s achievements in 2019 solidified his position as one of India’s top male tennis players.
Tributes from the Tennis Community
Following his retirement announcement, Prajnesh Gunneswaran received heartfelt tributes from his peers in the tennis community, including notable Indian players like Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna. Both praised his dedication to the sport and congratulated him on his successful career.
Though his playing days have concluded, Gunneswaran’s legacy in Indian tennis will continue to inspire aspiring players. His contributions to Indian tennis, especially his Asian Games medal and breakthrough performances, will be remembered for years to come.
