Priyanshi Bhandari Breaks into WTA Rankings at No. 1,393: A New Chapter in Her Tennis Journey
Priyanshi Bhandari has achieved a significant milestone by securing a WTA singles ranking of 1,393, marking the beginning of an exciting journey in professional tennis. Breaking into the WTA rankings is a dream for any aspiring player, and for Priyanshi, it is the result of years of relentless dedication, hard work, and perseverance. However, this achievement has not come easy. Her journey has been filled with injuries, mental setbacks, and the challenges of competing on the international stage, but her unwavering spirit has kept her moving forward.
A Remarkable Journey Through Junior and Senior Tennis
Priyanshi Bhandari has been a dominant force in Indian junior tennis, consistently proving herself among the country’s best. Her early career was marked by impressive achievements, including a No. 7 ranking in the U-14 category and a No. 15 ranking in U-16 in the All India Tennis Association (AITA) rankings. From a young age, she showcased immense potential, competing against the top junior players in India and beyond.
Her rise in junior tennis saw her finish as the runner-up in the prestigious Asian U-14 Tournament, a remarkable feat that put her on the radar of the Indian tennis community. She continued to make her mark at the national level, securing a silver medal in the AITA Nationals (U-16) and another silver in the Khelo India Games, further solidifying her reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the country. In addition, she earned multiple medals in the SGFI tournaments and Khel Mahakumbh tournaments, consistently demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure and excel on big stages.
As she transitioned into senior tennis, Priyanshi continued to rise through the ranks with the same determination and competitive spirit. She quickly established herself among the top female players in India, earning a Top 30 ranking in the national women’s category. Representing Gujarat in the National Games for three consecutive years, she brought glory to her state by winning two gold medals and one silver medal. Competing at this level required not only skill but immense physical and mental resilience, and Priyanshi’s ability to adapt and thrive in senior competitions proved that she was ready for the next stage of her career.
Her journey from a promising junior to a formidable senior player reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and an unyielding passion for the sport. Now, with a WTA ranking of 1,393, she is poised to take her career to even greater heights, aiming to establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in international tennis.
Overcoming Injuries and Mental Hurdles
Every athlete faces setbacks, and Priyanshi was no exception. While competing in a junior ITF tournament in Qatar, she suffered a serious injury that forced her to withdraw from the event midway. What followed was an incredibly challenging period, she was sidelined from the sport for nearly one year, unable to train or compete at her full potential. Just as she was beginning to recover and prepare for her comeback, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, further delaying her return to competitive tennis. In total, three crucial years of her career were lost, a devastating blow for any athlete striving to reach the top.
Being away from the game for such a long period was not just a physical challenge but an immense mental battle. Watching her peers continue to progress while she was forced to sit on the sidelines tested her patience, resilience, and determination. However, Priyanshi refused to let these setbacks define her career. With unwavering commitment, she worked her way back, first regaining her fitness, then rebuilding her confidence on the court. Her journey back to competitive tennis was not easy, but she embraced the struggle, proving that true champions are defined not just by their victories but by how they rise after setbacks.
Her ability to overcome injuries and long periods of inactivity is a testament to her mental toughness and sheer perseverance. Now, with her name on the WTA rankings, Priyanshi has put the past behind her and is determined to make up for lost time, competing at the highest level with renewed focus and hunger for success.
A Family’s Unwavering Support
Behind every successful athlete is a strong support system, and Priyanshi’s parents, Sankesh and Dimple Bhandari, have been the backbone of her journey. They have sacrificed time, resources, and personal comfort to ensure that their daughter gets the best training, coaching, and tournament exposure. More than just financial support, they have provided unconditional emotional encouragement, helping Priyanshi stay positive even in the toughest times.
Tennis is a demanding sport—traveling to international tournaments, dealing with losses, and overcoming self-doubt can be mentally exhausting. But Sankesh and Dimple have always been there, offering their unwavering belief in Priyanshi’s potential. Their guidance and sacrifices have played a crucial role in shaping her into the player she is today.
The Role of Coach Suresh Maurya and the Neon Team
Another key factor in Priyanshi’s success has been the dedication and expertise of Coach Suresh Maurya and the Neon team. From structured training plans to mental conditioning, Coach Suresh has meticulously guided Priyanshi at every step. Tennis is not just about technical skills; it requires mental toughness, strategic thinking, and a strong support system, all of which the Neon team has provided.
Coach Suresh recognizes Priyanshi’s hard work and potential and remains focused on the road ahead. “Priyanshi has the ability to compete at a much higher level, but this is just the beginning. It’s a long journey, and we need to ensure she gets the right opportunities to continue progressing,” he says.
Looking Ahead: The Journey to the Top 750 and Beyond
Now that Priyanshi has entered the WTA rankings, the next immediate goal is to break into the Top 750 by the end of the year. This is a crucial step in her career, as it will open doors to bigger tournaments, higher-level competition, and a greater chance to establish herself as a serious contender in women’s tennis.
To achieve this, Priyanshi will need to compete in more international tournaments and continue refining her skills against top-tier players. Over the past year, she has played in Thailand, Kenya, and several other countries, gaining invaluable experience. Moving forward, the focus will be on increasing her tournament participation, improving her physical conditioning, and fine-tuning her game.
The Crucial Role of Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) and Early Support
The Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) has been a key pillar in Priyanshi Bhandari’s journey, providing crucial support through the SAG Saktidoot Scheme. This initiative has helped her compete at the highest level and now set her sights even higher.
Priyanshi’s talent was recognized early, and she received support from Apollo Tyres Mission in 2008 and Lakshya in 2010-11, which played a vital role in her training and development. These contributions have been instrumental in shaping her into the professional athlete she is today, allowing her to compete on both national and international platforms.
The Need for Sponsorship and Support
While talent and hard work are crucial, competing at the international level requires significant financial investment. Expenses for training, coaching, travel and accommodation can be overwhelming. While Priyanshi’s family and team have done everything possible to support her, she now needs corporate sponsorship and financial backing to take her career to the next level.
This is an opportunity for brands, corporations, and sports enthusiasts to invest in a rising tennis star. Supporting Priyanshi is not just about helping one athlete; it’s about contributing to the future of Indian tennis. With the right financial backing, she can focus entirely on her game, participate in more tournaments, and make a lasting impact on the global stage.
A Bright Future Ahead
Priyanshi Bhandari’s journey is a story of perseverance, passion, and sheer determination. From battling injuries to breaking into the WTA rankings, she has proven that hard work and resilience can overcome even the toughest obstacles. With a strong team behind her, the guidance of Coach Suresh Maurya, and the unwavering support of her parents, she is well on her way to making a name for herself in international tennis.
The road ahead is challenging, but the future is bright. With continued dedication and the right opportunities, Priyanshi has the potential to achieve greatness and inspire the next generation of Indian tennis players.
For those looking to make a real impact in Indian sports, now is the time to stand behind a rising star and be part of an incredible journey.
Let’s come together to support this rising star and watch her Play, Perform, and Prevail on the biggest stages in world tennis!