Maaya Rajeshwaran Prepares for French Open Juniors with Optimism and Experience

As the French Open Juniors approaches, 16-year-old Maaya Rajeshwaran reflects on her journey in tennis, emphasizing the importance of learning from each match. With a solid foundation from her training at the Rafa Nadal Academy and support from the Target Asian Games Group, she aims to excel on clay courts. Maaya's commitment to improvement and her unique approach to managing stress through chess highlight her dedication to the sport. Discover more about her preparations and aspirations as she gears up for this prestigious tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 21:12 IST

Preparing for the French Open Juniors

As the French Open Juniors tournament approaches, India's promising young tennis star Maaya Rajeshwaran expressed that each match is a valuable learning opportunity. The competition is set to take place from May 31 to June 6.

At just 16 years old, Maaya holds the 1,070th position in the WTA Rankings, having previously reached a career-high of 642 last year. She has already gained experience in Grand Slam events, having competed in the US Open Juniors where she advanced to the round of 32, and participated in the Australian Open Juniors this year, exiting in the round of 64.

Coaching and Support

Maaya is currently coached by Joan Bosch and has been training daily with Bulgarian coach Paulina since January. She is also a recipient of the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) initiative by the central government, which has allocated over Rs 51 lakh to support her athletic journey.

Focus on Improvement

In a recent interview, Maaya highlighted her commitment to continuous improvement and readiness for Grand Slam events. "Every week presents a chance to enhance my skills. Since the beginning of the year, my goal has been to improve, gain more match experience, and feel at home on the court by the time Grand Slams arrive. Each match teaches me something new," she stated.

Excelling on Clay Courts

Competing in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Circuit, Maaya boasts a 71% win rate on clay, with 15 victories and six losses. This year, she triumphed at the J300 Beaulieu-sur-Mer tournament in France, a clay event. Much of her success on this surface can be attributed to her training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, founded by the legendary Rafael Nadal, a 14-time French Open champion.

Discussing her comfort on clay, she remarked, "The more I practice on specific surfaces, the more I feel I belong there. I enjoy competing on any surface as long as I am prepared to play."

The Importance of Competition

"At a certain level, it’s all about how you compete. My coach in India, Manoj sir, encouraged me to move to Europe, and I am grateful for the coaching I receive here. The professional environment at the academy has made a significant difference in my training, allowing me to learn from experienced athletes," she added.

Chess as a Stress Reliever

To manage the stress associated with competitive tennis, Maaya turns to chess, humorously noting, "Given India's chess standards, I don't consider myself a great player. However, it helps me stay focused and grounded during busy match schedules."