Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli has been steadily advancing through the doubles circuit. In 2024, he achieved his first ATP title in Almaty while partnering with Arjun Kadhe, secured three Challenger titles, and broke into the top 100 rankings. At the beginning of 2025, he made his Grand Slam debut in men's doubles at the Australian Open, where he and American Ryan Seggerman were eliminated in the first round. Subsequently, he received a call-up for the Davis Cup. On Friday, the 24-year-old was selected to make his debut in the Davis Cup, with India set to compete against Togo in the World Group I Play-off, commencing in Delhi on Saturday. He will team up with N. Sriram Balaji, who has been performing well on the Tour recently. The pair previously won a Challenger title together in Rovereto, Italy, two months ago.

In anticipation of the Davis Cup match, Rithvik spoke with Hindustan Times regarding his preparations for the event, his experiences at the Australian Open, and his quest for a consistent partner on the tour.

Q) How have you prepared for the contest? You will be making your debut in Davis Cup.

They've been pretty good. I arrived a week earlier than the tie, and I've been practising daily with Bala. We've been playing a lot of points and getting used to the conditions, so it's going pretty well so far.

Q) You have been paired with Bala for the doubles. You have won a Challengers title with him. How do you see this pairing?

I believe this is the most advantageous partnership available within our team, as we have established a rapport through our previous collaborations. Furthermore, we are the sole members of the team who specialize in full-time doubles. Both of us are performing admirably; we have each participated in the Australian Open, and Bala has achieved notable success in that tournament. Consequently, I am confident that this combination provides us with the optimal opportunity to excel.

Q) In 2024, you won an ATP title and made it to the top 100 in doubles as well. How would you sum up that year?

This year has been remarkable. I have been striving to improve my performance, and I believe there is still much more to achieve. This is merely the beginning. I am enthusiastic about the future, as I am currently involved in an excellent program. I am participating in the Doubles Dream Project, which features outstanding coaches. Therefore, I am confident that we can continue to progress positively.

Q) You also won a Challengers title with Nikki Poonacha. Is it difficult juggling between partners?

It is not entirely accurate to say otherwise regarding Indian players, as I am well acquainted with many of them. I maintain a good rapport with all the Indian players. For instance, Nikki, a former Davis Cup participant, is an excellent individual. I have competed in numerous tournaments alongside him, as well as with Arjun Kadhe, who is also a remarkable person. During the off-season, we train together, which fosters a strong camaraderie among us. This familiarity facilitates our ability to collaborate effectively on the court.

Q) How is Arjun Kadhe recovering from his injury? Are you considering him a long-time partner?

He is currently in good condition. Following his surgery, he has begun the rehabilitation process. He can walk without experiencing pain; however, it is important to note that recovery will take time. We remain optimistic for a swift recovery, allowing him to return to touring shortly.

The situation is quite complex, as it ultimately depends on his readiness to return and his overall well-being. We will certainly have a discussion to assess the next steps moving forward.

Q) You mentioned the Australian Open. What was the experience like? You were pretty close in that first set in the opening-round tie

The experience was truly remarkable. The team that ultimately triumphed in the tournament was the same one we were defeated by, which made it a challenging matchup. In the initial set, we performed admirably until a critical moment occurred, at which point our performance declined. The second set did not meet our standards, leading us to become somewhat complacent. Nevertheless, it was a valuable experience, providing insights against skilled opponents. I am confident that more opportunities will present themselves in the future, and I aspire to seize them.

Q) Your goals for 2025?

I am committed to continuous improvement. I do not possess a specific objective regarding my ranking or points, as I believe that by focusing on enhancing my skills, the rankings and points will naturally align. However, I certainly aspire to participate in more Grand Slam events.

Read Also: Rithvik Bollipalli: N Sriram Balaji is My Best Choice for the Davis Cup Challenge

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