New Delhi: Tennis is not merely a sport of physical agility; it also requires keen mental awareness. The game is often guided by the sound of the ball hitting the racket, the echo of the ball bouncing on the court, and the sharp calls from the umpire. For many players, these auditory signals are essential for anticipating the ball’s trajectory, spin, and speed. However, Prithvi Sekhar, who has reached the pinnacle of the sport, demanded an entirely different skill set. The 31-year-old was born with congenital hearing loss but relied on visual perception, his instinct, and an unwavering determination to succeed.
On January 27, 2024, Sekhar etched his name into the history books as he became the first Indian tennis player to defend a Grand Slam singles title in the Deaf category. After making his way through the tough quarterfinals and semifinals draw, he went on to win the Australian Open Deaf Championship Men’s Singles final against France’s Oliver Grave by a scoreline of 6-3, 6-1 without dropping a single set. However, this triumph was not just about another title to his cabinet but rather was a defining moment for Indian tennis and an inspiration for countless athletes with disabilities.
The road to Tennis
Shekar was born and raised in Chennai, where he was surrounded by sports from an early age. His father was a cricketer, and his mother played kabaddi, making it almost inevitable that he would follow in their footsteps. Initially, he tried cricket but at the age of eight he found himself drawn to tennis. From the moment when he first held the racket he knew he had found his true calling.
The defending champion faced his share of challenges as he had to balance rigorous tennis training with his education. While he honed his backhand and footwork at Chennai’s top tennis academies, he learned to shape vowel sounds in school. Despite the hurdles, his passion and dedication remained unwavering, and by the age of ten, he had already clinched his first tennis title, setting the stage for an illustrious career.
Over the years, he went on to represent India at multiple Deaflympics, winning several medals and also secured a historic bronze in the mixed doubles event at the 2017 edition. He also clinched the 2024 Australian Open title, achieving a record-breaking victory in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing category’s singles championship and finishing as runner-up with Glen Flindell in doubles.
Triumph against all odds
Prithvi Sekhar after defeating France’s Oliver Grave in the finals. (Image via @msudh98 ‘X’)
Defending his Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open was not a piece of cake. While the scoreline against Grave suggested a straightforward victory but Sekhar revealed that filtering out the surrounding noise presented its own set of challenges. Using a hearing aid meant he could hear everything from the ball’s impact to the distant hum of traffic and even the crowd’s cheers. Yet, he has mastered the art of reading the game differently. He relies on vibrations, his opponent’s footwork, and the angle of their racket, and developing an intuitive play style that set him apart from his peers.
Beyond his personal achievements, Sekhar has also witnessed a shift in the way differently-abled athletes are perceived nowadays. The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games shattered viewership records, surpassing those of Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016. Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the stories of athletes like him, making their victories more widely celebrated. Shekar said, “Earlier, reporting on our wins wasn’t common. Now, people recognize me from YouTube clips and online results. That recognition is deeply rewarding.”
Paving the path for future champions
Today, at 31, Prithvi Sekhar is more than just a champion, he is a mentor and a guide for aspiring players. Despite juggling his own playing career, he still dedicates time to coaching two young tennis players in Tamil Nadu. Watching them develop their skills and learn from his techniques fills him with pride. Speaking about the players, he said, “They have started understanding how to respond to shots, how to anticipate movements. I want them to grow in their careers just as I am in mine.”
His vision goes beyond just coaching; he aspires to travel with his students, train them, and help them unlock their full potential. For Sekhar, success is not just about his own achievements but also about cultivating the next generation of talent in Indian tennis. His journey is a compelling reminder that limitations are only real if one permits them. As tennis legend Roger Federer wisely said, “There is no way around hard work. ‘Embrace it’.” Through resilience, dedication, and an unwavering love for the sport, Sekhar exemplifies that champions are shaped not by their obstacles but by their capacity to triumph over them.
Discover the inspiring journey of Prithvi Sekhar, the deaf Indian tennis champion who made history at the 2025 Australian Open. From overcoming challenges to defending his Grand Slam title, learn how his resilience, skill, and determination are redefining Indian tennis. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
