Industry Odisha Bureau, Sept 16: Dhakshineswar Suresh had teammates, coaches and a built-in support system through his college tennis years at Wake Forest University. The pro tour offered none of that.
Now competing solo week after week, the 26-year-old must travel alone, manage his own fitness, and stay mentally steady without a safety net. That shift, he says, has redefined what survival on tour actually means.
Talent Alone Won’t Cut It
Suresh, currently ranked 367 in the world, told PTI his game was never in doubt. Staying consistent across a demanding season is the real test.
He said sustaining that level year-round is what separates good players from top-ranked ones.
His February Davis Cup heroics against the Netherlands, where he won three matches, offered early proof. But Suresh has moved past that result already, calling it a chapter to build from, not dwell on.
Fitness And Mental Stability Now Non-Negotiable
Back-to-back tournaments without a college programme’s structure demand a new level of self-management. Suresh admits the adjustment has been tough.
Injury-prone due to his height and build, he now prioritises rehabilitation and body maintenance over extra hours on court. Watching senior India players like Sumit Nagal manage their off-court routines has shaped this approach.
Finding the right coach and travel companion is also part of building a support system from scratch — one he no longer has automatically.
Next Stop: Top 250, Then Top 50
Suresh’s immediate target is breaking into the top 250 by the end of 2026, a ranking that unlocks Grand Slam qualifying pathways next season.
The bigger picture is a top-50 global ranking, a goal he knows demands sustained effort rather than one more isolated big win.
His focus now shifts to India’s Davis Cup tie against South Korea, where his Netherlands form has raised expectations. Suresh says self-belief, not overanalysis of opponents, will guide his approach on court.
