Ahmedabad Teen Samarth Sahita Qualifies for Australian Open Junior 2026
Ahmedabad-based tennis player Samarth Sahita has secured a spot in the qualifying round of the Australian Open Junior 2026. This marks his first appearance at the prestigious junior tournament, a significant milestone in his budding career.
Rankings and Representation
Samarth currently holds the 92nd position in the ITF junior world rankings. In the qualifying draw for the Australian Open Junior 2026, he is seeded 15th. He has already represented India in international competitions, including the Junior Davis Cup and the Rod Laver Cup.
Other Indian players joining him are Arnav Paparkar in the boys' category and Maya Rajeshwaran in the girls' category.
Samarth's Reaction and Inspirations
In an interview with TOI, Samarth expressed his excitement about the achievement. "This is the first time I am going to play Australian Open Juniors. It is a good thing for me," he said. He credited his coaches, parents, and supporters for their hard work, which has now yielded results.
"Making it to the qualifying round shows I'm moving in the right direction," Samarth added. He draws inspiration from tennis legends Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, both multiple Grand Slam winners.
Playing Style and Strategy
Samarth builds his game around the single-handed backhand, a technique famously used by Federer. "The single-handed backhand helps me change directions, play cross-court shots, employ variations with slice, and adapt my court play," he explained.
He acknowledged that his running shots might lack depth and power, but he plans to focus on his strengths. When asked about his approach to opponents, Samarth asserted, "I want to play attacking tennis which will give me a chance to win and enter the main draw."
Parental Support and Future Prospects
Samarth's father, Ujjwal Sahita, highlighted the importance of such opportunities. "Such opportunities give the player exposure to world-class venues and playing experience, which will surely further motivate Samarth for the future," he said.
This qualification not only boosts Samarth's confidence but also puts Ahmedabad on the map for producing promising tennis talent. As he prepares for the tournament, fans and supporters eagerly await his performance on the global stage.
