Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli recently clinched the Chile Open doubles title with partner Nicolas Barrientos, marking a historic achievement as the first Indian to win an ATP title on Latin clay. At 24 years old, he has also entered the ATP Top 70 rankings. Rithvik emphasizes the impact of hard work and training on his success and expresses his desire to continue growing within the sport and maintaining momentum following this victory.
Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli, fresh from winning the Chile Open doubles title alongside Colombia’s Nicolas Barrientos, expressed enthusiasm about maintaining his success. The victory at this ATP 250 event in Santiago, where they defeated top-seeded Argentine pair Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, marks Rithvik as the first Indian to achieve such a feat on Latin clay. At 24 years old, he has also become the youngest Indian in the ATP Top 70 rankings, emphasizing that hard work over the past year is yielding significant results.
Rithvik shared, “It is an amazing feeling. I have been working really hard and it is paying off now.” He noted the uniqueness of winning on clay since he has limited experience on that surface, attributing part of their success to the high altitude of Santiago. “Winning on clay is a special feeling for I never played many events on that surface,” he added.
While discussing partnership dynamics, Rithvik mentioned his hard-working partner and his desire to continue building on their recent victories. He is currently seeking a long-term partner due to Arjun Kadhe’s injury, expressing the difficulties associated with frequently playing with different partners. Rithvik described his experience at the Australian Open as enjoyable, despite the challenges of adjusting to a new partner, Ryan Seggerman, and highlighted their rewarding interactions during the tournament.
Reflecting on his decision to transition to doubles, Rithvik attributed part of this shift to his previous back injury and a newfound confidence in his doubles abilities. He also shared that his debut in the Davis Cup against Togo was a significant experience, especially the thrill of winning before an enthusiastic Delhi crowd alongside fellow player N. Sriram Balaji, whom he holds in high regard. He noted the unique environment of Davis Cup matches compared to regular tournaments.
Rithvik began his tennis journey under the tutelage of C.V. Nagraj at the School of Power Tennis, where he benefitted from rigorous coaching and formed lasting friendships. He emphasized the importance of watching tennis daily and learning from different situations, stating, “I like to soak in all the info of the coaches.” This approach has proven beneficial in adapting to various conditions over the past year.
Addressing the depth of doubles talent in Indian tennis, Rithvik credited coaches Raven Klassen and Balachandran Manikkath for their exceptional support, along with the dedicated physios. He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining daily training routines over many months and years, recognizing the difficulty of progressing through multiple ranking levels.
Rithvik expressed that while he does not target specific tournaments for victory, his primary goal is continuous improvement as a player. He believes that, through consistent growth and success, he will attain the ranking needed to participate in preferred events. His optimistic outlook reflects a commitment to the journey ahead in professional tennis.
Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli’s victory at the Chile Open represents a significant achievement in his career, making him the first Indian to win an ATP title on Latin clay. His dedication and hard work have propelled him into the ATP Top 70 rankings. As he aims to maintain momentum, Rithvik remains focused on continued improvement, navigating the challenges of the sport while fostering meaningful partnerships within the doubles circuit. His insights into training, competitions, and aspirations embody the spirit of perseverance. Rithvik’s journey exemplifies the potential of Indian players in tennis, highlighting the support structures in place and his personal commitment to excel in this sport.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
