Nearly three months after retiring from professional tennis, Prajnesh Gunneswaran returned to the courts at Cubbon Park in Bengaluru last week. It was here, seven years prior, that he secured his second Challenger title and his first on home soil. He fondly recalled this victory as one of his "special memories," as it 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 attended the Challenger 125 event in a broadcasting capacity.

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 near future. The former Davis Cup player and Asian Games bronze medallist also emphasized that enhancing coaching standards across the nation is essential for India to improve its performance in singles tennis. Here are some highlights from the conversation.

Q) You announced your retirement towards the end of last year. How has this part of the life been so far?

Overall, I have been doing well. My wrist had been causing me discomfort for some time, and I realized it was necessary to address the issue. Consequently, I made the decision to focus on my well-being. I have been relishing the stability of staying in one place rather than being constantly on the move, which has been a refreshing change. Tennis has been a significant part of my life, nearly from the very beginning, as I started playing at the age of five. Therefore, I feel content with my journey and believe it is time to conclude this chapter.

While I would have preferred to extend my playing career or experience fewer injuries, there are limitations to what one can manage. Professional sports vary greatly among individuals, and each athlete's body responds differently. Some face more frequent injuries than others, and that has been my experience. Nevertheless, I am satisfied with the trajectory of my career. It seems I have found a renewed sense of purpose.

Q) If I'm not wrong it was a wrist injury that saw you take a break since last year after having played in Pune. It had troubled you in 2022 as well. Could you talk about that?

I began experiencing difficulties with my wrist in 2020. A review of my performance reveals that in 2019, I had to retire from a match due to wrist pain, which has since become a persistent issue that I have been unable to resolve. I initiated a rehabilitation program during a period when I was still close to achieving my highest ranking and performing well. Regrettably, I was unable to fully recover. Consequently, my performance gradually declined as I was unable to train with the same frequency and intensity. Over time, my ranking began to fall. Although there was a delay in this decline due to the protective measures implemented during the Covid pandemic, I ultimately could not maintain my previous level of performance, as my wrist condition did not improve.

Q) How difficult was the decision because you had come close to retirement back in 2015 as well if it hadn't been for your father?

I found myself with no alternative due to the condition of my hand and wrist.

Reflecting on 2015, I was on the verge of retirement, a decision that would have been profoundly painful, as I felt I had not 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, if my memory serves me correctly. The prospect of retiring without having achieved my best would have been particularly disheartening, especially knowing the level of talent I possessed.

Consequently, it was far more advantageous to retire when I did, as it allowed me to demonstrate my true capabilities and reveal how much better I actually was compared to what I might have shown had I chosen to retire in 2015.

I maintain the belief that I could have achieved a much higher ranking than I did upon my retirement. Had my hand not caused me as much trouble or if the issue had arisen later, I likely would have reached greater heights. However, circumstances are what they are. Every athlete faces their own challenges, and this was mine. Given my situation, I achieved the best possible outcome, and I am at peace with that.

I am truly grateful that my father encouraged me to persevere and give it one last shot before deciding to pursue other endeavours. I am pleased that I took that advice, as it ultimately led to a successful outcome for me.

Q) Looking back at your career, what is your fondest memory?

It is challenging to pinpoint a singular moment of significance. There have been numerous noteworthy experiences throughout my career. One particularly memorable period was when I managed to compete for an entire year without encountering any major setbacks. This occurred approximately a year after I reached a ranking of 250, during which I participated in nearly 25 to 30 tournaments. This achievement was particularly meaningful to me, especially considering the ups and downs I have faced in my career. I felt a deep sense of pride upon reflecting on that year.

However, if I were to identify a few pivotal moments, I would highlight three key experiences. The first was receiving the call to represent India in the Davis Cup, which was a significant milestone for me, especially since I was a reserve during my initial selection.

The second moment was breaking into the top 100 rankings. This is a goal that many aspiring tennis players strive for. While winning Grand Slams is often the ultimate dream, reaching the top 100 is also a crucial milestone, as it grants access to the main draws of Grand Slam tournaments.

Lastly, I would mention my victories in the two deciding rubbers for India against China. It is difficult to articulate the emotions I felt while representing my country at such a high level and contributing to a vital win for the team. That experience was monumental.

Q) Coming back to Bengaluru, where you won your second Challenger title, how did it feel?

Bengaluru holds a special place in my heart, serving as my second home. I have trained there more than in any other city in India, aside from Chennai, which is my birthplace. Returning to Bengaluru is always a pleasure for me. My journey began at the age of 15, filled with aspirations, many of which I have since realized. Returning to the city after winning the Challenger title was particularly significant, as it marked my ascension to the rank of India No. 1. Experiencing that achievement in front of an Indian audience was truly gratifying. Now, as I reflect on my life in retirement and embark on a new chapter, revisiting Bengaluru has been equally rewarding. It has been enjoyable to view the city through a fresh perspective.

Q) Since Prajnesh in 2018, India have had just one other Challenger title winner (Nagal in Chennai, 2024) during the Indian ATP circuit. How concerning is that for India?

The presence of numerous tournaments in India holds significant importance. As evidenced by the success of Indian players in major competitions, including the Futures and Challengers, it is crucial to maintain a regular schedule of tournaments. This not only provides our athletes with exposure to elite levels of competition but also alleviates financial pressures. Therefore, it is essential to establish a comprehensive tournament calendar, maximizing the number of events available. There is no doubt regarding the necessity of this approach.

Q) Is there a way out for India?

The key to improving the standard of tennis in India lies in the availability of high-quality coaching and a sufficient number of tournaments. This is the foundational step. If we can establish a network of just ten exceptional coaches across various regions, each capable of developing talented players, the overall level of competition will gradually rise. These players will challenge one another, fostering a competitive environment that will enhance their skills.

As international tournaments are introduced in India, it is essential that more players participate in these events. Competing against higher-ranked opponents will provide invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed at that level. Over time, this exposure will elevate the standard of Indian tennis, leading to improved performance on the global stage. 

Thus, the focus must remain on ensuring access to quality coaching and a robust tournament schedule. While infrastructure is indeed significant, it should not take precedence over these two critical elements.

Q) What did you make of the Indian singles field this time in Bengaluru? The likes of Prajwal and Manas did put up a great fight in the opening round.

Currently, several Indian players are performing admirably. Manas Dhamne is showing promising results, and Prajwal has demonstrated commendable fighting spirit. Additionally, Karan Singh is making strides, along with other emerging talents from the junior ranks. It would be beneficial to see an increase in the number of players participating. The more players we have, the greater our chances of producing a champion. Therefore, it is essential to elevate the overall standard of Indian tennis. If the ecosystem continues to develop positively, we can expect to see favorable outcomes in upcoming tournaments. However, achieving this is often more challenging than it appears. It requires significant dedication and effort, which are essential for success in any endeavor.

Q) Would you like to take up coaching or do you have something else in mind?

I'm considering it. I will be involved in tennis, certainly, and we'll have to see in what capacity. But I'm definitely thinking about things and just figuring out what the next step is.

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