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Aryan Shah: You don’t get anything for free on the men’s circuit

Aryan Shah is still getting used to life on the senior circuit.

Aryan achieved a career-high ranking of 39 as a junior. He also represented the country at all four Junior Grand Slams.

Last season was his first full year on the senior circuit. He played 18 ITF events, clinching his maiden pro title at the USD 15,000 tournament in Kingston while also achieving a runner-up finish at the same venue. The 19-year-old entered 2025 as World No. 590 in the ATP Rankings.

Aryan was in action at the BR Adityan ITF 25k event at the SDAT Stadium this week where he reached the second round in singles and finished runner-up in doubles with compatriot Ishaque Eqbal, losing to Chirag Duhan and Dev Javia in an all-Indian final.

READ | The beauty of vulnerability: Leander Paes reflects on life, leadership, and tennis at  The Hindu Lit For Life

On the sidelines of the event, Shah reflected on the transition from junior to senior level. “I think the major difference between the pros and the juniors is the physicality and mentality. The mentality plays a big role because you know you aren’t going to get anything for free on the men’s circuit.”

“So, you have to be there mentally and focus all the time. That’s a bit of a change,” he said.

Over the last two years, he has had to adjust to extensive travel. He participated in Junior Grand Slam tournaments in 2023 while in 2024, he featured in tournaments in countries like Jamaica, Sweden and South Africa. Normally accompanied by his parents on these trips, he reflected on how grateful he was to have the support. “It’s comforting to have someone with you because tennis is a tough individual sport. It gets tough on the road. I’m glad to have one of my family (members) with me,” said the teenager.

Shah enjoys playing doubles, his partnership with Eqbal in Chennai being the latest proof. “Doubles is much more easier to play. Much more loose. Much more free through the mind. More clear,” he said while adding, “Doubles is usually more fun. More tactical. You don’t have a lot of margin.”

“In tense moments in doubles, the pressure is divided into two people. That’s more helpful.”

However, he made it clear that singles is his primary focus.

Another milestone in 2024 for Shah was being called up for India’s tie against Sweden in the Davis Cup. “Pretty good feeling when you wear that blue blazer,” he said.

“It’s quite a good feeling. My parents and coaches know I’ve worked hard for it. It’s not given to me on a plate. So, definitely, a major milestone. But I’m not saying that’s the end or that’s the only achievement I was hoping for.”

Shah is hopeful that 2025 can be a breakthrough year for him. He did not receive wildcards for any of the four ATP Challenger Tour events which took place in India in 2024. He is eyeing the same four Challenger events in February this year to push his ranking up but will require wildcards to get entry.

His determination to make things happen is clear. “I know the challenges. I have nothing to lose. There are so many great players with great rankings above me. I just have to go out there and perform,” he said.

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