At the heart of Indian junior tennis this week, a compelling story of talent, training, and shared roots is unfolding in Bal Bhavan, Baroda. The finals of the Asian U14 Tennis Tournament will deliver a rare and inspiring matchup—two players from the same academy, pushing each other to the very edge of excellence. Both the players train under guidance of coach Ronak Sanandiya.
Both Riaan Nandankar (right) and Prayag Patel (left) represent Altura Tennis Academy—a training ground that is fast becoming synonymous with high-performance junior tennis in Gujarat. Their journey from practice partners to finalists on an international stage reflects not just individual brilliance, but the strength of a shared system.
Riaan’s rise has been marked by consistent performances at national levels. He is currently the National Rank # 1 in the U12 circuit and has secured strong finishes in domestic tournaments while steadily building a reputation as a composed and technically sound competitor. He has already been selected to represent India in the U-12 ASIAN team event taking place in Nepal in April.
On the other side of the net stands Prayag Patel, whose dominance throughout the draw has been nothing short of commanding. Entering the event through qualifiers, Prayag has lived up to his talent, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
What makes this final particularly special is the dynamic between the two players. This is not just a contest—it is a culmination of countless practice sets, shared drills, and internal battles fought on the same courts back home.
They know each other’s games intimately. The strengths, the patterns, the pressure points—nothing is hidden. That familiarity transforms the final into a battle of execution and mental strength rather than surprise.
For Altura Tennis Academy, this is a defining moment. Producing one finalist is an achievement; producing both finalists is a statement.
Beyond the title, this match symbolizes the evolution of Indian junior tennis. It highlights how structured coaching, competitive exposure, and internal rivalries can accelerate development.
For Riaan, this is another step in a journey that has already seen international representation and national recognition. For Prayag, it is an opportunity to solidify his position as one of the top prospects in his age group.
But for both, the final represents something deeper—a shared dream, now split by a net.
As they step onto the court in Vadodara, one thing is certain: the result will crown a champion, but the story will celebrate two.
Two players.
One academy.
A rivalry that began in practice—and now defines a final.
And regardless of who lifts the trophy, Altura Tennis Academy has already won.
