For years, Prajnesh Gunneswaran was a name synonymous with Indian tennis, representing the country at the Davis Cup and winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games. His
For years, Prajnesh Gunneswaran was a name synonymous with Indian tennis, representing the country at the Davis Cup and winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games. His dedication and perseverance saw him rise to a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 75. However, a persistent wrist injury forced him to step away from the sport he loved. Now, instead of wielding a racquet, he has picked up the mic, transitioning into a new role in the world of tennis broadcasting.
Almost three months after announcing his retirement, Prajnesh returned to the courts of Cubbon Park, Bengaluru, where he had once clinched his second Challenger title and first on home soil. That victory, he reminisced, was one of his “special memories,” marking the moment he became India’s No. 1 tennis player. This time, however, he was present at the Bengaluru Open Challenger 125 event not as a player but as a broadcaster, analyzing the game from the sidelines rather than competing on the court.
Speaking to Hindustan Times at the event, Prajnesh reflected on his decision to retire, revealing that injuries had played a major role. “My wrist injury had been bothering me for quite some time. I tried to push through, but after a point, I realized that I wasn’t able to compete at the level I wanted,” he said. Despite his love for the sport, his body no longer allowed him to perform at the highest level, leading him to take the difficult call of stepping away.
For an athlete, transitioning away from professional sports can be a challenging phase. Many struggle to find purpose beyond the game, but Prajnesh seems to have found a new calling in broadcasting. He has been honing his skills as a tennis analyst, bringing insights from his years of experience to the commentary box. “It’s different but exciting,” he admitted. “I have always enjoyed analyzing matches and breaking down the game. This is a way for me to stay connected with tennis.”
While he has moved away from competitive play, Prajnesh remains deeply invested in the growth of Indian tennis. He emphasized that the key to improving India’s singles performances lies in better coaching and increased tournaments within the country. “We need to invest in high-quality coaching from a young age. Players require a structured approach, along with exposure to international-level tournaments right from their junior years,” he explained.
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He pointed out that while India has produced great doubles players, the singles circuit remains a challenge due to inadequate infrastructure and support. “Most of our best singles players have had to train abroad to make it big. If we want to consistently produce top singles players, we need to create an ecosystem that supports them from the grassroots level.”
When asked about his future, Prajnesh didn’t rule out the possibility of venturing into coaching. “It’s something I am considering. I have gained a lot of experience over the years, and if I can pass that on to the next generation, it would be a great way to contribute to Indian tennis.” He believes that coaching young players and mentoring them through the highs and lows of professional tennis could be a fulfilling path.
Though his competitive career has come to an end, Prajnesh Gunneswaran’s journey in tennis is far from over. Whether through commentary, analysis, or coaching, his expertise and insights will continue to shape the sport in India. His story is a testament to resilience—when one door closes, another opens. As he transitions into this new chapter, his passion for tennis remains as strong as ever, ensuring that his impact on Indian tennis endures for years to come.
