Kolkata, March 9 -- Nearly three months after retiring from professional tennis, Prajnesh Gunneswaran returned to the courts at Cubbon Park in Bengaluru last week. This location holds special significance for him, as it was where he secured his second Challenger title and his first on home soil seven years ago. He fondly recalled that victory as one of his "special memories," which elevated him to the position of India No. 1. However, this year at the Bengaluru Open, his role was markedly different. Instead of wielding a racquet, the 35-year-old former world No. 75 was present in a broadcasting capacity at the Challenger 125 event.

In an interview with Hindustan Times during the tournament, Prajnesh discussed his decision to retire, the challenges posed by injuries throughout his career, and his contemplation of pursuing coaching in the future. The former Davis Cup player and Asian Games bronze medallist emphasized the necessity for improved coaching standards across India as a crucial step towards enhancing the country's performance in singles tennis. Below are some highlights from the conversation.

Things have been going well. My wrist had been troubling me for some time, and I realized it was time to make a change. I have been enjoying the stability of staying in one place rather than being constantly on the move. It is a refreshing shift. Tennis has been a significant part of my life, nearly my entire life, as I began playing at the age of five. Therefore, I feel content with my decision to retire after such a long journey.

Naturally, I would have preferred to extend my playing career or to have experienced fewer injuries, but certain factors are beyond one’s control. Professional sports vary greatly among individuals; some athletes face more injuries than others, and that has been my experience. Nevertheless, I am satisfied with how my career has unfolded. I believe I have found a renewed sense of purpose.

I began experiencing wrist issues in 2020. A review of my results shows that in 2019, I had to retire from a match due to wrist pain, and since then, it has been a persistent problem that I could not resolve. I initiated rehabilitation during that period.

In 2015, I was on the verge of retirement, a prospect that would have been particularly painful for me, as I felt I had not yet reached my full potential and could have performed significantly better. At that time, my ranking was likely no higher than 500-600, possibly even lower. The thought of retiring without having achieved my best was daunting, especially knowing the level I could have attained.

Consequently, it was far more advantageous to retire when I did, as it allowed me to demonstrate my true capabilities and reveal how much I had improved compared to what my performance would have been had I chosen to retire in 2015.

I maintain the belief that I could have achieved a higher ranking at the time of my retirement. Had I not experienced hand issues or if they had arisen later, I might have reached greater heights. However, circumstances are what they are. Every athlete faces their own challenges, and this was mine. I accept the outcome as the best I could achieve under the given conditions.

I am particularly grateful to my father for encouraging me to continue and to take one more opportunity before deciding to pursue other endeavors. This decision proved beneficial, as I ultimately found success.

It is difficult to pinpoint a singular moment of significance in my career. However, one notable period was when I managed to play an entire year without any major setbacks, which occurred the year after I reached a ranking of 250. Competing in nearly 25-30 tournaments that season was particularly meaningful to me, especially considering the ups and downs of my career. I took great pride in that achievement.

If I were to identify a few key moments, I would highlight three significant events. One of the most impactful was receiving the call to represent India in the Davis Cup, which was a momentous occasion for me. Initially, I was a reserve when I first received that call.

Achieving a position within the top 100 is a significant milestone that many tennis players aspire to during their careers. While the ultimate dream for most is to win Grand Slam titles, it becomes increasingly clear over time that breaking into the top 100 is also a crucial achievement, as it enables participation in the main draws of these prestigious tournaments.

Reflecting on my experience, one of the most memorable moments was when I secured two decisive victories for India against China. It is difficult to articulate the pride I felt representing my country at such a high level and contributing to a vital team success. That experience was monumental.

Bengaluru holds a special place in my heart, serving as my second home. I have trained there more than anywhere else in India, aside from Chennai, my actual home. Returning to Bengaluru is always a pleasure for me. I began my journey there at the age of 15, filled with aspirations, and I have since achieved many of my goals. Winning the Challenger title there was particularly significant, as it coincided with my ascent to the rank of India No. 1. Experiencing that achievement in front of an Indian audience was incredibly rewarding. Now, as I reflect on my career in retirement, revisiting Bengaluru offers a fresh perspective and a sense of enjoyment.

The presence of numerous tournaments in India is essential for the development of our players. We have witnessed success with Indian athletes excelling in larger competitions, including Futures and Challengers. Therefore, maintaining a consistent tournament schedule is vital, as it provides our players with exposure to high-level competition while alleviating financial pressures. It is imperative to have a comprehensive tournament calendar, and we must strive to increase the number of available events.

Ultimately, the key to progress lies in ensuring access to high-quality coaching and a sufficient number of tournaments. This is the foundational step. If we can establish a network of ten exceptional coaches across the country, it will significantly enhance our players' development.

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