A file picture of Prajnesh Gunneswaran
| Photograph Credit score: The Hindu
Asian Video games bronze medal winner Prajnesh Gunneswaran on Friday (November 15, 2024) introduced his retirement from skilled tennis.
The 35-year-old Indian, who received singles bronze within the 2018 Jakarta Asian Video games, wrote on his Instagram account: “Hanging up my racquet. Thanks.”
Gunneswaran, who rose to world No.75 within the ATP rankings in 2019, expressed his deep gratitude for having the ability to compete on the high degree for a number of years.
“As I write this, my coronary heart swells with gratitude, satisfaction, and a contact of nostalgia. As we speak, I step off the aggressive tennis court docket for the final time.”
“For over three many years, this recreation has been my sanctuary, my biggest trainer, and my most trustworthy companion. From the primary swing of my racquet to representing India on the grandest levels, the journey has been nothing wanting extraordinary,” he wrote.
The Chennai-born participant, who turned professional in 2010, completed with a singles report of 11–28 and a doubles report of 1-1. His highest doubles rating was 248 which he attained in 2018.
Gunneswaran additionally competed in all 4 Grand Slams, bowing out within the opening spherical in all situations. The Australian Open was the one Slam through which he competed on a number of events — 2019 and 2020.
“Each drop of sweat, each victory, each setback – it is all woven into the material of who I’m. Tennis taught me self-discipline, resilience, and the ability of dreaming huge,” he additional wrote in his submit.
“It gave me friendships that transcend borders and recollections that may final a lifetime. It challenged me to dig deep, to develop, and to be higher – not simply as a participant however as a human being,” he famous.
He had success within the ATP Challenger Tour and in ITF Futures Tour, possessing a report of 2-7 and 9-9 respectively within the singles class.
He received solely a title within the doubles — Egypt F25, Sharm El Sheikh (ITF Futures Tour) — in 2018 together with his Egyptian companion Issam Haitham Taweel.
Gunneswaran’s greatest win in opposition to a top-20 participant got here in 2019 when he beat the then-18th-ranked Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia through the Indian Wells Masters within the second spherical.
“To my coaches, teammates, and most of all, my household — you’ve got been my spine. To my followers who cheered me on via the highs and lows- I am deeply grateful.
“And to the game that gave me all the things – I owe you my coronary heart. Thanks, tennis, for the journey of a lifetime,” he concluded.
Revealed – November 16, 2024 05:37 am IST
