I am Sai Samhitha, a professional tennis player. During my childhood I used to play cricket and some games with my friends. I wasn’t interested in studying, so my parents thought they will put me in some sports. Based on the recommendation of my grandfather who played tennis, my parents enrolled me for tennis lessons, at the age of 9, at the Egmore tennis centre, under coach Ramana and Hitten Josh. After two years of practice, I started playing local tournaments. Initially I was losing but as I participated in more tournaments, I started to win. I was the national champion in Under 14, which was held in Delhi and winning that tournament made me India’s No.1 player. Then, I played the Under14 International Tennis Federation Cup held in Indonesia and finished in Top 5 along with other foreign players. This tournament boosted my career and passion towards Tennis. I was awarded several times by Tamil Nadu Tennis Association for my performance. I was top 3 in Under16 and was a runner up in national championships held in Mumbai. I started playing in juniors tournaments. Initially, I wasn’t able to compete with those players but those defeats made me a better player. Tamil Nadu Tennis Association also sent me to Spain for 2 months for training.
In 2012, I joined the CHENNAI TENNIS CENTRE and trained under renowned tennis coach Suresh kumar and Balaji Ramaswamy. I did Fitness training with riaz (till 2015). I played a few ITF Junior tournaments and won the tile in Guwahati in Singles and the doubles in Chennai.
I reached the finals in the Adidas U-18 Nationals in Chennai. I didn’t loose my hope, I practiced and worked harder on my game and fitness. Then, I won the Title in the Under-18 Fenesta Nationals in Delhi and was ranked Top 5 in India in Under18. I won many AITA Women’s national ranking prize money tournaments.
My happiest moment was when missile man of India A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM came to my college and awarded me for my sports performance. I FELT LIKE I WAS ON TOP OF THE Sky. I had always dreamt of meeting him and that was an unforgettable moment. I was always inspired by his quotes. Later I won the doubles title in the 2014 Fenesta Nationals, in Delhi.
Another happiest moment in my life was in 2015 when I made the finals in ITF Women’s Futures held in Hyderabad. Even though I lost in the finals, that match made me a better player and I learnt a few lessons. My ranking improved from 1200 to 800 in the ITF. I made it to the Finals in Women’s Fenesta Nationals. In 2016 I won my 1st doubles ITF futures in Egypt where I got really motivated. I won the doubles title and made it to the semifinals in singles in the national grass court championships in Chandigarh.
I am currently ranked No.12 among Indian women. My goal is to be ranked No.1 in India and reach a world ranking of at least Top 200. I have given myself 3 years to achieve this goal and with the team I am working with right now, I know I will achieve my goal for sure.
I am very thankful to each and everyone who continue to support my Tennis career, especially my dad, who has been with me since my first tournament and continues to believe in me totally.