Rithvik Bollipalli celebrates his recent Chile Open doubles victory with Nicolas Barrientos, making history as the first Indian to win an ATP title on Latin clay. He emphasizes the importance of consistent partnership and learning from experiences. Rithvik seeks to maintain momentum and improve his ranking while acknowledging the challenges of daily routines in professional tennis.
Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli has recently achieved significant success by winning the Chile Open doubles title alongside Colombia’s Nicolas Barrientos. The duo triumphed over the top-seeded Argentine pair, Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, with a convincing score of 6-3, 6-2. At 24 years of age, Rithvik, hailing from Hyderabad, has made history as the first Indian to secure an ATP title on Latin clay and stands as the youngest Indian in the ATP Rankings’ Top 70.
Expressing his elation, Rithvik remarked, “It is an amazing feeling. I have been working really hard, and it is paying off now.” He also noted that winning on clay is particularly meaningful for him, given his limited experience on that surface and the altitude possibly contributing to his success.
The player emphasized the importance of maintaining his momentum, stating, “My partner is a great guy and very hard working. I just want to keep the momentum going and keep doing the right things.” Rithvik has been seeking a consistent partner since Arjun Kadhe’s injury, acknowledging the challenges of frequently changing partners.
Reflecting on his experience at the Australian Open this year, he mentioned that partnering with Ryan Seggerman was a rewarding learning experience. “It was my maiden Grand Slam, and I enjoyed playing there since I grew up watching that Slam,” he recounted.
Rithvik’s decision to switch to doubles was influenced by a back injury and the realization that he excelled in this format. His debut in the Davis Cup against Togo in February was among his best experiences, particularly as he enjoyed sharing the court with respected player N. Sriram Balaji, whom he admires.
On the influence of his upbringing in tennis, Rithvik credits his disciplined coach, C.V. Nagraj, at the School of Power Tennis for instilling good routines. He remarked about the camaraderie with his peers, which enriched his development in the sport.
When it comes to his training philosophy, Rithvik is keen on learning and adapting from the experiences and strategies of other players. Being observant and open-minded has been beneficial in enhancing his skills over the past year.
Rithvik attributes the depth of doubles success in Indian tennis to the exceptional coaching he receives from Raven Klassen and Balachandran Manikkath, as well as the support from the physical therapy staff.
Addressing challenges, he acknowledged the monotony of maintaining daily routines but emphasized the necessity to stay disciplined as he strives for higher rankings. He remains committed to improving his game without targeting specific tournament victories.
Rithvik’s realistic aspirations focus on continual improvement and achieving higher rankings, which he believes will facilitate participation in preferred tournaments. “Hope, all good things will lead to see this happen,” he expressed in closing.
In conclusion, Rithvik Bollipalli’s recent triumph at the Chile Open doubles highlights his hard work and dedication to the sport. As he aims to maintain his momentum and improve further, his journey reflects both personal growth and a commitment to Indian tennis. Rithvik’s focus on learning and adapting will be essential as he navigates future challenges in his career.
Original Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
