Prajnesh Gunneswaran Bids Farewell to Professional Tennis
New Delhi, November 15 (IANS) – Prajnesh Gunneswaran, a prominent figure in Indian tennis who once ascended to a peak ATP ranking of No. 75, has officially retired from the sport. The 35-year-old made his announcement through social media, expressing his decision with the heartfelt message: “Hanging up my racquet. Thank you.”
A Journey Filled with Gratitude
In an emotional Instagram‌ post, Prajnesh reflected on his rich journey in tennis. ”As I write this, my heart feels full of gratitude, pride, and nostalgia,” he shared. “Today marks my exit from competitive tennis for good. For over thirty years, tennis has been my refuge and steadfast companion—a cherished teacher throughout my life.” He elaborated on how he transitioned from casually flicking his first strokes to proudly representing India at major international events.
Achievements in the Spotlight
Prajnesh carved out a notable place in Indian sports history by breaking into the top 100 rankings and peaking at No. 75—making him one of just eight Indians to reach such heights during the Open Era. His persistence shone brightly when he reclaimed the title of India’s top men’s singles player in 2019 after undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury.
His participation in Grand Slam tournaments is noteworthy; he competed five times at this level and participated across all four slams during that remarkable year of 2019. Additionally, Prajnesh celebrated victories including two ATP Challenger titles and earned a bronze medal at the Asian Games held in Indonesia in 2018.
A Legacy Beyond Rankings
Prajnesh’s retirement comes on the heels of tough times as he battled wrist injuries that significantly impacted his ability to compete effectively on tour.
“In acknowledging every grueling training session along with victories and challenges faced alike,” he stated candidly, “the essence of these experiences has shaped who I am today. Tennis instilled discipline within me; it taught resilience and ignited dreams beyond measurable bounds.” He expressed deep appreciation for friendships formed along this journey that transcended geographical barriers as well as timeless memories created along the way.
Expressions of Gratitude
The Chennai native extended gratitude towards everyone who supported him throughout his career: coaches who guided him alongside‍ teammates offering camaraderie—as well as family members who stood by him unfailingly during peaks and valleys alike.
“To all those fans rallying around me through thick and thin—my heartfelt thanks go out to you,” wrote Prajnesh appreciatively while adding profound respect for tennis—the sport which remarkably offered so much fulfillment across various facets of life.
A Warm Send-Off from Fellow Athletes
The news prompted warm tributes from celebrated Indian players such as Rohan Bopanna and Mahesh Bhupathi congratulating Prajnesh for his illustrious career.
“Congratulations on an incredible journey filled with inspiration,” commented Bopanna while emphasizing that countless aspiring athletes have learned about dedication through Premesh’s path.
“Best wishes for your upcoming ventures! Your contributions remain etched in our hearts here within professional circles,” was added by Bhupathi alongside fond acknowledgments regarding personal conversations they’ve shared over time.
