Rithvik Bollipalli recently won the Chile Open doubles title with Nicolas Barrientos, becoming the first Indian to secure an ATP title on Latin clay. At 24, he is also the youngest Indian in the ATP Top 70. Rithvik aims to maintain his momentum, focusing on long-term partnerships and continuous improvement in his game, while acknowledging the challenges of consistency in training.
Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli recently marked a significant achievement by winning the Chile Open doubles title with Colombian partner Nicolas Barrientos, defeating the top-seeded Argentine team of Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni with a score of 6-3, 6-2. At 24, Rithvik has become the first Indian to secure an ATP title on Latin clay, further establishing himself as the youngest player from India in the ATP Top 70 rankings. This victory holds a special significance for Rithvik, especially against an opponent ranked in the world’s Top 10, showcasing the results of his hard work over the past year.
Rithvik expressed enthusiasm about this remarkable achievement, emphasizing how his dedication is yielding positive results. He reflected on the uniqueness of winning on clay, a surface he’s not frequently played on, attributing some success to the high altitude of Santiago. He mentioned, “It is an amazing feeling. I have been working really hard and it is paying off now.”
Besides accolades, Rithvik is also seeking stability in his partnerships after the injury of his previous teammate, Arjun Kadhe. He acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to different partners, highlighting his positive experience with Ryan Seggerman at the Australian Open, which was a valuable learning opportunity for him. Rithvik said, “He is a great guy and it was awesome to play with him. I had interesting conversations with him and learnt a lot.”
Reflecting on his transition to doubles, Rithvik cited a back injury as a factor in his switch, alongside a realization of his strengths in doubles play. He described his Davis Cup debut against Togo as an exceptional experience, particularly winning in front of a supportive crowd in Delhi. He remarked, “Winning my match at Delhi in front of a good crowd… made it even more special.”
His formative years in tennis began under the watchful eye of coach C.V. Nagraj at the School of Power Tennis. Rithvik credits his disciplined training and supportive environment with shaping his career and instilling a robust work ethic. He stated, “I like to soak in all the info of the coaches, do the right things by keeping an open mind,” highlighting his willingness to adapt and learn from every match.
Discussing the current state of Indian tennis, Rithvik acknowledged the critical support of coaches and physiotherapists who guide players in achieving high-performance standards. He noted, “The two coaches… are fantastic and the entire support staff… have shown us a good pathway to play at the level we want to.”
However, Rithvik also recognized the challenges of maintaining consistent training routines over time, which can at times feel monotonous. He plans to overcome these obstacles while striving to break into higher ATP rankings, admitting, “These jumps are very tough though it is always exciting but we have to be prepared for the challenges.”
Looking ahead, Rithvik emphasized that his primary goal is continuous improvement rather than winning specific tournaments. He aspires to enhance his skills continually, believing that victories will follow, and maintaining that gaining a higher ranking will enable him to participate in desired tournaments. “Hope, all good things will lead to see this happen,” he concluded.
Rithvik Bollipalli has successfully made history by winning the Chile Open doubles title, solidifying his status in tennis. His focus on continuous improvement, the significance of stable partnerships, and the influence of strong coaches underscore the promising trajectory of his career. As he aims for higher ATP rankings, his dedication and adaptability will continue to be pivotal to his success.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
