Bengaluru Tennis Prodigy Srishti Kiran, 13, Set to Represent India on the US Junior Circuit
Bengaluru, October 13 (TheTrendingPeople): At just 13 years old, Bengaluru’s Srishti Kiran is emerging as one of India’s most promising young tennis talents. Ranked No. 16 in the country in the Under-14 Girls category, she is now preparing to take her game global — competing in the prestigious US junior tennis circuit, including the Junior Orange Bowl in Florida this December.
Her journey from the courts of Bengaluru’s Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) to international recognition is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and passion for the sport.
Early Start and Rapid Rise
Srishti’s love for tennis began early. At just four and a half years old, she walked into the KSLTA courts holding a racket almost as tall as herself. “My earliest memory at KSLTA was coming for my first tennis class. I was shorter than the net, holding a racket, but I loved it right away,” she recalled fondly.
That early spark soon turned into a blazing passion. By the age of 10, Srishti had already represented India internationally and became the youngest player to win back-to-back All India Tennis Association (AITA) U-10 Championships. Her natural athleticism, coupled with a fierce determination, set her apart from her peers.
Asian Glory and International Breakthrough
In 2023, Srishti played a pivotal role in helping India clinch its first-ever Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) U-12 Girls’ Team Championship crown, where she remained undefeated throughout the tournament. The win marked a defining moment in her young career and brought her into the national spotlight.
Her performances on the Asian circuit soon attracted international attention. She was spotted during the Asian Tennis Federation’s Orange Ball program, which led to her being scouted by the prestigious RPS Academy in Florida — one of the world’s leading tennis academies.
There, Srishti began training under the mentorship of world-renowned coach Gabe Jaramillo, who has coached legends like Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, and Maria Sharapova.
Training Abroad: A Dream and a Challenge
Relocating to Florida to pursue professional tennis training at such a young age came with both opportunities and sacrifices. For Srishti, being away from home was the hardest part.
“The most challenging part has been staying away from home, missing my mom and Bengaluru. I just cope by calling her whenever I can. But I really miss the food, the people, the weather, of course,” she said.
Despite the emotional hurdles, she embraces the journey with maturity beyond her years.
“Without sacrifices, you cannot become a good player,” she affirmed.
Her commitment to improvement is evident in her performances. Recently, she reached the quarterfinals at the KSLTA-ITF Juniors held at SM Krishna Stadium, a strong indicator of her growing prowess.
Support and Mentorship from Home
Srishti credits much of her success to the supportive environment at KSLTA, where her skills were nurtured from the start. “KSLTA has supported me a lot, especially Sunil Yajaman sir (Joint Secretary, KSLTA). And everybody here has supported me in some way or another. It really felt like home,” she said.
Her parents, too, have been her constant pillars of support. “They believed that I could, and that belief pushes me forward,” she added.
Her coach Gabe Jaramillo’s constant advice also guides her:
“No matter what condition you are in, stay focused and give it your all,” he often reminds her.
Inspiration from Global Icons
Like many young athletes, Srishti finds inspiration in tennis champions who have blazed their own paths. She particularly admires American tennis star Coco Gauff, who recently won her first Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open.
“From the way she hits to the way she moves, my game really matched with hers. I really admire and learn from her,” Srishti said, adding that she often studies Gauff’s matches for technical and mental cues.
Looking Ahead: Aiming for the World Stage
Srishti’s next big challenge lies ahead — a series of tournaments in the United States, including the IMG Academy International Tennis Championships and the Junior Orange Bowl, one of the most prestigious junior tennis events in the world.
Her short-term focus is on performing consistently in these tournaments, gaining experience against international competition, and improving her world ranking. But her long-term ambitions are crystal clear.
“In 10 years, I aim to be World No. 1, winning an Olympic medal and lifting a Grand Slam for my country is my ultimate vision,” she stated confidently.
Why It Matters
Srishti Kiran’s rise reflects a broader trend in Indian tennis — the growing investment in grassroots talent and international exposure for young players. With Indian tennis aiming for global recognition beyond doubles dominance, prodigies like Srishti represent the next generation of singles hopefuls.
Her journey also highlights the increasing role of academies like KSLTA in nurturing young athletes and the importance of international training opportunities in shaping world-class players.
For Bengaluru — already known for producing several top-level athletes — Srishti’s success is another proud moment.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
At just 13, Srishti Kiran embodies the perfect blend of talent, discipline, and determination. From the courts of Bengaluru to the training grounds of Florida, her journey mirrors the dreams of countless young athletes across India. As she prepares to take on the world’s best in the US junior circuit, her story reminds us that greatness begins early — with courage, sacrifice, and belief.
If her trajectory continues, Srishti Kiran could well become the next big name in Indian tennis — inspiring a new generation of players to chase global dreams.