With a tennis racket in hand and eyes set on greatness, Yashwitha Reddy is on an unstoppable path to success.
Training with relentless focus, every swing and every shot is precise, and her commitment to improvement is unwavering.
“My favourite thing is the competitive side of tennis—being alone on the court and having to figure out ways to win,” says the 15-year-old talent whose drive is as sharp as her game.
A rising star from New Zealand, Yashwitha has made a significant impact at the national level.
She holds the number 1 ranking in the U-12, U-14, U-15, and U-16 categories. She won the nationals in all the surfaces (Clay Court, Hard Court and Grass Court) in New Zealand, and has also claimed victory in several U-16 tournaments.
Her achievements in the diverse formats of New Zealand’s national tennis tournaments highlight her versatility and dominance on the court.
On the global stage, Yashwitha's talent continues to shine. As of April 9, 2025, she holds an ITF junior singles ranking of 861. She also won J60 Doubles in Ashburton 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 shares.
The young Tennis player’s performance in international competitions continues to prove her potential.
She has competed on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors, the premier international circuit for players aged 18 and under.
The ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors spans six levels: J500, J300, J200, J100, J60, and J30, with each level offering ranking points that contribute to a player’s global standing.
This platform provides emerging talents like Yashwitha the opportunity to compete, grow, and reach new heights in their careers.
In a gesture that celebrates local talent, Auckland-based property developer Precise Homes is supporting Yashwitha's Fiji campaign this weekend, recognising her remarkable potential and dedication. She is set to play in the J30 ITF tournament.
With over a decade of experience, Precise Homes has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, architecturally designed homes at affordable prices across the greater Auckland region. From standalone houses to townhouses and apartments, the company caters to a wide range of housing needs and budgets.
The backing reflects Precise Homes’ ongoing commitment to supporting the community — not just by building homes, but by backing the bright futures of individuals like Yashwitha.
“Any financial support towards Yashwitha’s tennis dreams is a huge encouragement,” says Kiran Reddy, her father.
Yashwitha Reddy/Photo: Ravi Bajpai
Recognising her potential, Tennis New Zealand has also selected Yashwitha for its Athlete Development Programme, where she has achieved the prestigious Gold criteria.
This designation ensures that she will receive financial support for international travels from Tennis New Zealand.
“This means she will be able to travel overseas, all flight expenses paid, for international competitions,” Kiran explains.
Yashwitha’s ambitions extend far beyond New Zealand. Her ultimate goal is to compete at Wimbledon, but first, she aims to excel in the Junior Grand Slams, particularly Wimbledon, and break into the Pro Circuit.
Her long-term aspiration is to reach the top 10 in the world rankings.
Despite a rigorous training schedule, which includes fitness sessions and online studies, Yashwitha maintains a healthy balance between academics and tennis.
“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 explains.
Born to Kiwi-Indian parents from Rajampet in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district, Yashwitha’s passion for tennis began at the age of seven under the guidance of coaches Josh Mark and Dwayne Cleugh, who played a key role in nurturing her dream—along with Marko. She is currently training 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 recalls.
As Yashwitha continues to rise through the ranks of tennis, her journey serves as an inspiration for many young Kiwi-Indian athletes.
“Just go out and enjoy the sport. You’ll just love it,” she advises fellow players, embodying the passion and perseverance that drive her toward greatness.
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