Long term picture: India's latest Tennis sensation Karan Singh eyes bigger challenges

On a cool Sunday evening at the DLTA Complex in New Delhi, 21-year-old Karan Singh made a memorable Davis Cup debut, sealing a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over Togo’s Hod’abalo Isak Padio.

The win not only helped India complete a 4-0 sweep in the World Group I Playoff but also etched Karan's name in history as just the 51st Indian to win a Davis Cup singles rubber.

Yet, for the young tennis player from Karnal, Haryana, this is only the beginning.

In a chat with The Bridge, Karan shared insights into his journey, ambitions, and what lies ahead.

“I mean, of course, as a kid, I always dreamed of playing for the country,” said Karan.

“It was an amazing experience for me, playing in front of a home crowd, especially in Delhi, where I trained for three to four years. Everything – the team environment, the crowd – was great. I enjoyed my time, and it was a special moment because I won my match as well,” he added, reflecting on the win.

The start of something amazing

Now ranked 501 in the world, Karan’s tennis journey started at the age of 11, somewhat by chance.

Growing up in Karnal, Haryana, he was always an active child, trying his hand at multiple sports.

However, it was his father who nudged him towards tennis, believing that an individual sport would offer him greater opportunities for growth and development.

“There was a tennis court in my school, and I had an interest in many sports,” he recalled. “I told my dad to put me in some sport, and he wanted me to play an individual one. So, since we had a tennis court, that’s where I started my journey.”

From those early days, Karan showed promise. As he continued to progress, his natural talent and work ethic caught the attention of coaches and selectors.

He moved to the National Tennis Centre in Delhi, a crucial move in his career that helped him refine his game under structured training programs.

Learning from the best

Karan credits his steady growth to the various coaches he has trained under over the years. Training at multiple locations across India, he was exposed to different styles and approaches that helped shape his all-round game.

“I had a couple of coaches when I started playing. I trained in my hometown Karnal before moving to the National Tennis Centre in Delhi,” he said.

“I was with Zeeshan Ali sir, then Vivek Shokeen, and now I’m with Aditya Sachdeva. Each one of them helped me build my game, and I want to thank them for their guidance.”

His time at the National Tennis Centre was particularly formative. The exposure to high-level training and competitive junior circuits provided him with the foundation needed to leap into the professional arena.

“It was the first time I had left home to train. It was exciting because a few juniors were chosen to be part of that facility, and those two and a half years helped me a lot in my tennis journey,” he said.

Balancing power and control

A hallmark of Karan’s game is his powerful style of play.

However, he insists that the key to success lies in staying composed.

His game is built around aggressive shot-making, but he has worked extensively on improving his decision-making and court coverage.

“Everyone says I have a powerful game, but I just try to stay calm, especially in crucial moments,” he explained. “I don’t overthink. I just play naturally, and the power comes to me instinctively.”

Despite his recent successes, Karan acknowledges that his journey is far from complete.

“As an athlete, you're never fully prepared. There’s always something to improve – physically, mentally, and technically. It’s like homework you have to do every day.”

Climbing the ATP ladder

He recently competed in the Bengaluru Open Challenger 125 but fell short in a hard-fought first-round match to Austria’s Jurij Rodionov.

Karan pushed his higher-ranked opponent to a deciding set but lost 4-6, 6-4, (3)6-7, showcasing resilience even in defeat.

The Challenger Tour is often seen as a stepping stone for emerging players, providing the crucial ranking points needed to break into the elite ATP events.

“I have no expectations. I just take a match at a time,” he said.

“I want to improve every day, with every tournament. I’m not just thinking about these next few tournaments; I’m thinking about the long-term picture."

With a determined mindset, a strong team backing him, and an eye on the bigger ATP stage, India’s newest tennis star is ready to take on the world – one match at a time.