Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad-based tennis players Samarth Sahita has qualified to play the qualifying round of Australian Open Junior 2026. Currently ranked No. 92 according to the ITF junior world rankings, he is ranked 15th in qualifying draw and has represented India at the Junior Davis Cup and the Rod Laver Cup. Arnav Paparkar is the other Indian in the boys’ category, while Maya Rajeshwaran will compete in the girls’ category.Reflecting on his achievement, Samarth told TOI, “This is the first time I am going to play Australian Open Juniors. It is a good thing for me. The hard work put in by my coaches, parents and others have reaped results.”“Making it to the qualifying round shows I’m moving in the right direction,” he said, adding that his inspirations are multiple Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.Building his play around the single-handed backhand, which Federer used numerous times to outclass his opponents, Samarth said, “The single-handed backhand helps me change directions, play cross-court shots, employ variations with slice and adapt my court play. The running shots may lack depth and power, but I intend to focus on my strengths.”Asked how he plans to tackle his opponents, Samarth asserted, “I want to play attacking tennis which will give him a chance to win and enter the main draw.” Samarth’s father Ujjwal Sahita said, “Such opportunities give the player exposure to world-class venues and playing experience, which will surely further motivate Samarth for the future.”
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