With every swing, she moves closer to greatness. Yashwitha Reddy is once again making headlines.
The 15-year-old tennis star from New Zealand claimed victory at the J30 Fiji tournament on 20 April, followed by a second win at the J30 Fiji ITF tournament on 27 April.
In a gesture of support for rising local talent, Auckland-based property developer Precise Homes supported Yashwitha’s campaign in Fiji, recognising her dedication and remarkable potential.
The Indian Weekender interviewed the young sports star in April 2025, where she shared what drives her and how she manages her academic responsibilities alongside the sport.
“My favourite thing is the competitive side of tennis—being alone on the court and having to figure out ways to win,” said the 15-year-old talent, whose resolve is as strong as her game.
Yashwitha currently holds the number one ranking in the U-12, U-14, U-15, and U-16 categories. She has won national titles across all surfaces—Clay Court, Hard Court, and Grass Court—in New Zealand, in addition to several U-16 tournament wins.
Her success across diverse formats reflects both her versatility and dominance on the court. It was precisely this grit and determination that led Precise Homes to extend their support.
With more than a decade of experience, Precise Homes has built a reputation for delivering architecturally designed, high-quality homes at affordable prices across the greater Auckland region. From standalone houses to townhouses and apartments, the company serves a broad range of housing needs and budgets.
Their backing of Yashwitha underscores their commitment to the community—not only by constructing homes but also by investing in promising individuals and their futures.
On the global stage, Yashwitha continues to shine. As of 27 May 2025, she holds an ITF junior singles ranking of 583. She also clinched the J60 Doubles title in Ashburton earlier this year.
“My biggest achievement so far is being the runner-up in the J30 Doubles title in New Zealand and reaching the J60 Singles semi-finals in Thailand,” Yashwitha shared last month.
Her performance on international platforms reflects her growing promise. She competes on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors, the top international circuit for players aged 18 and under. The tour includes six tiers—J500, J300, J200, J100, J60, and J30—each offering points that contribute to a player’s global ranking.
This platform enables rising stars like Yashwitha to develop their skills, gain international exposure, and elevate their careers.
Recognising her potential, Tennis New Zealand has selected her for its Athlete Development Programme, where she has achieved the prestigious Gold criteria. This ensures that she will receive financial assistance for international travel.
“This means she will be able to travel overseas, all flight expenses paid, for international competitions,” her father explained.
Yashwitha’s aspirations stretch far beyond national borders. Her ultimate dream is to play at Wimbledon. First, she’s aiming for strong performances in the Junior Grand Slams, particularly Wimbledon, with the goal of breaking into the Pro Circuit. Long-term, she hopes to secure a place in the world’s top 10 rankings.
Despite her rigorous training regime, which includes fitness sessions and online schooling, Yashwitha continues to maintain a strong balance between sport and academics.
“I train at Albany Tennis Park, followed by a fitness session. During my two-and-a-half-hour break, I study online before heading back to training,” she explained.
Born to Kiwi-Indian parents from Rajampet in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district, Yashwitha discovered her love for tennis at the age of seven. Under the early guidance of coaches Josh Mark, Dwayne Cleugh, and Marko, her passion was nurtured. She now trains under national coaches Chris Bint and Matt Alexander.
“My dad was really keen for me to play a sport, so I started tennis—and it was love at first sight,” she recalled.
As she climbs the international rankings, Yashwitha’s journey stands as an inspiration to young Kiwi-Indian athletes.
“Just go out and enjoy the sport. You’ll just love it,” she advised, a testament to the passion and perseverance that fuel her path to greatness.
Yashwitha’s next tournament is scheduled in Australia, from 23 June to 12 July.
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