Kriish Tyagi: India's Hope at the 2025 US Open Junior Tennis Championships
Kriish Tyagi Prepares for US Open Junior Championships
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 17: Kriish Tyagi from Bengaluru is set to represent India at the upcoming US Open Junior Tennis Championships 2025, taking place from August 31 to September 6. His optimism is fueled by thorough preparations and a commendable performance during his recent debut at the Wimbledon Junior Championship, as reported by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association.
"Prior to Wimbledon, I was frequently traveling for tournaments, which limited my training time. However, for the US Open, we decided to forgo some events to focus on physical, mental, and skill training. I feel much more prepared now," Kriish shared.
The 18-year-old aims to bring strength, physical presence, and mental toughness to the US Open, believing these aspects will enhance his performance during critical moments. He departed for the US earlier this week and will first compete in the ITF J300 before the US Open Junior Championships.
Kriish began his tennis journey at the age of 10 and has quickly ascended through the ranks, currently holding the title of India’s No. 1 in the junior category. His Wimbledon debut was a highlight of his year.
"Practicing with other players and being in that environment made me feel like I truly belonged," he reflected. Although he felt nervous during his singles match due to the crowd and atmosphere, he gained confidence in his doubles match.
Despite not achieving his desired outcome in singles, he teamed up with South Africa's Connor Doig to defeat the British duo of Davies and Lawlor with a score of 3-6, 6-4, (10-6) in the Round of 32, advancing to the Round of 16. They later reached the quarterfinals after a 6-3, 3-6, 10-7 victory.
Defeating a British team on their home soil was a memorable experience for Kriish. "The crowd was very supportive of their team, but I channeled that energy. I found myself celebrating after every point. My partner and I had great synergy, and we executed our plan effectively," he stated.
During his time at Wimbledon, Kriish took advantage of the opportunity to learn from observing top players. "I gained invaluable insights into how they manage pressure and close out matches. That experience is priceless," he noted.
Reflecting on his journey in professional tennis, Kriish described it as one filled with learning, self-discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the sport. "It has been a rollercoaster ride," he said after a rigorous three-hour practice session at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru.
As the sole Indian junior at both Wimbledon and now the US Open, does he feel any pressure? "Not really," he replied with a smile. "I thrive under pressure."
Karnataka boasts a rich tennis heritage, and being part of this environment excites him. "Training on the same grass courts as senior professionals, undergoing ice baths and recovery therapies, made me feel like I belonged. I understand there's a long journey ahead, but it feels like I'm heading in the right direction," Tyagi concluded.