AHMEDABAD: The Covid pandemic, which has again gripped many parts of Europe, has hit the preparation plans of Dev Javia, the upcoming tennis star from Gujarat.
Dev, an 18-year-old from Ahmedabad, played in the French Open Juniors last week and showed he has the potential to go all the way. As things stand, Dev is struggling to collect points because he is not able to play in ITF Futures, Challengers and ATP events. This threatens his dream of playing a Grand Slam in the men’s category.
Dev won the qualifiers in the junior section but lost in the first round in singles. He, however, entered the second round in the junior boys’ doubles category with his Chinese partner Li Hanwen.
“My aim is to prepare for the men’s category and start playing in the Futures circuit,” said Dev in a text message from Alexander Waske Tennis University near Frankfurt, where he has been currently training. “I need to strengthen physically, add new skills and boost overall play with more maturity,” he said.
“The pathway is the same as juniors. I start with Futures tournaments and depending on my progress I play higher grade tournaments,” added Dev. He is sponsored by
the Sports Authority of Gujarat
(SAG) under the Shaktidoot Scheme.
Waske, the director of
the Alexander Waske Tennis University
, said in a text message: “Dev has good attitude and has shown willingness to get better. As a team we are willing to support him to achieve his dreams.” Waske added: “Veterans Prajnesh and Shriram Balaji who have been representing India in the Davis Cup are willing to help and guide him here.”
Vipul Javia, Dev’s father, is confident that the teenager will do something big in the coming years. “Seeing his potential
the All India Tennis Association
(AITA) has chosen him as a probable for the Indian squad for the 2024 Olympics,” said Vipul Javia. “So Dev must get international exposure, especially in Europe.”
Credit for Dev’s rising graph should also be given to Shrimal Bhatt, who has been coaching Dev since he was 12.
“He has a deceptive game and is capable of thinking on his feet,” said Bhatt. “He is an all-courts player but needs to get stronger physically.”
Bhatt added: “The European circuit offers good competition and the experience will help him.” Bhatt went on to say: “By getting into the Top 100 in juniors he could claim a wildcard entry into the main draw of ITF Futures and earn the much needed exposure and experience.”
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