Meet Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, Indian Teen Who Broke Sania Mirza’s 22-Year-Old Record
Indian tennis has a new reason to celebrate. Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi, a 17-year-old tennis player from Tamil Nadu, has broken a 22-year-old record held by Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza. Her remarkable performance at the W35 Lagos tournament has put her name in the spotlight and strengthened hopes for the future of Indian women’s tennis.
Maaya won her maiden professional singles title on October 11, 2026, defeating Spain’s Celia Cervino Ruiz 6-4, 6-2 in the final. With this victory, she became the youngest Indian woman to win a W35-level singles title, achieving the milestone at 17 years and three months.
Her achievement is particularly significant because Sania Mirza had held the previous record since 2004, when she won a title at the age of 17 years and 10 months.
Who Is Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi?
Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is an emerging Indian tennis talent from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Born on June 12, 2009, she began playing tennis at the age of eight after her father, Rajeshwaran, introduced her to the sport.
What started as a childhood activity gradually developed into a serious sporting ambition. By the age of 10, Maaya had decided to pursue tennis professionally.
Her progress through junior tennis competitions helped her gain recognition as one of India’s promising young players. She has competed internationally, won junior titles and continued to develop her game against strong opponents.
To balance her education with the demands of professional training and competition, Maaya switched to homeschooling. Her journey reflects the commitment and discipline required to pursue a career in elite sport at a young age.
How Did Maaya Break Sania Mirza’s 22-Year-Old Record?
Maaya created history by winning the W35 Lagos singles title in October 2026. Her victory placed her ahead of Sania Mirza in the record for the youngest Indian woman to win a singles title at this tournament level.
In 2004, Mirza achieved a similar milestone at the age of 17 years and 10 months. Maaya surpassed that mark at just 17 years and three months, becoming the youngest Indian woman to accomplish the feat.
The comparison has attracted attention because Mirza remains one of India’s most influential tennis players. Her achievements helped bring greater visibility to Indian tennis, particularly women’s tennis, and inspired a generation of young athletes.
Maaya’s Impressive Run at the W35 Lagos Tournament
Maaya’s title-winning campaign was built on several strong performances against experienced international opponents.
She began in the qualifying rounds before progressing into the main draw. One of her most notable victories came in the opening round, where she defeated top seed Justina Mikulskyte, ranked No. 246 in the world, 7-6(1), 6-1. Maaya recovered from a 0-5 deficit in the first set before taking control of the match.
She then defeated Argentina’s Berta Bonardi 6-2, 6-0 in the second round. In the quarter-finals, she continued her impressive run with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over eighth seed Tian Jialin.
Maaya advanced to the final after receiving a walkover against Britain’s Britt Du Pree in the semi-finals.
In the title clash, she maintained her composure to defeat Spain’s Celia Cervino Ruiz 6-4, 6-2, securing the biggest singles title of her professional career so far.
Maaya Wins the Doubles Title Too
Maaya’s success did not stop with the singles championship. She also captured the doubles title alongside Ukraine’s Yelyzaveta Kotliar.
The pair faced Min Liu and Carlotta Moccia in the final. After losing the opening set 0-6, Maaya and Kotliar fought back to win the second set 6-2 before clinching the deciding match tie-break 10-7.
Winning both the singles and doubles titles made the tournament an especially memorable one for the Indian teenager.
From Coimbatore to the Rafa Nadal Academy
An important part of Maaya’s development has been exposure to international training and competition. She has trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she has had opportunities to improve her technique, movement and match preparation.
Training in a competitive international environment has helped her experience different playing styles and adapt to the demands of tennis outside India.
Her progress through junior tournaments, including strong performances in Europe, has also given her valuable experience against international opponents.
What Did Maaya Say About Sania Mirza?
Despite breaking a record associated with her idol, Maaya has expressed deep respect for Sania Mirza and her contribution to Indian tennis.
Speaking about the comparison, Maaya said that Mirza could not truly be surpassed because she was a legend and would always remain one.
She also acknowledged Mirza’s influence while growing up, describing her as an inspiration who helped make tennis more visible in India.
Her response reflects a gracious approach to a significant personal achievement. Rather than presenting the record as a competition with her idol, Maaya recognised the legacy that helped inspire her own journey.
What Does Maaya’s Historic Win Mean for Indian Tennis?
Maaya’s W35 title is an encouraging development for Indian women’s tennis. Winning a professional singles championship at 17 demonstrates her ability to compete successfully against experienced players and handle the pressure of important matches.
Her doubles victory also highlights her versatility and ability to perform across different formats of the game.
However, professional tennis is a long journey. Maintaining fitness, improving consistency, gaining ranking points and competing regularly at higher levels will be important as she continues to develop.
For now, her breakthrough provides a strong foundation on which to build. Her performance has also drawn fresh attention to the young talent emerging from India’s tennis system.
Record-breaking victory ; a proud moment for Indian tennis
Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi’s record-breaking victory is a proud moment for Indian tennis. At just 17, she has become the youngest Indian woman to win a W35-level singles title, surpassing Sania Mirza’s 22-year-old record.
Her maiden professional singles championship, followed by a doubles title at the same tournament, marks a significant step forward in her career.
While comparisons with Mirza are inevitable, Maaya is beginning to establish her own identity in the sport. With continued hard work, international experience and steady progress, the Coimbatore-born teenager will be one to watch in the coming years.
Her story is not just about breaking a record. It is about a young Indian athlete turning years of dedication into a historic achievement and taking another step towards her ambitions in professional tennis.
