Is Yubarani Banerjee The Next Sania Mirza?

Sania Mirza’s record is top-notch. But who do we look forward to when it comes to the next champion who is as marvellous as Mirza? Well, India is vouching for a new kid -- Yubarani Banerjee – as a rising star in women’s tennis. Yubarani won in the under 18-category of the Kolkata-leg of the Ren-Des-Vous tennis championship.

Yubarani Banerjee (Pic Credit:The Telegraph)

Bengal’s Banerjee came into the picture when she emerged champion in this tournament. The third-seeded local girl dominated the final match and defeated fourth-seed Pratibha Prasad Narayan, 6-3, 6-4. Yubarani is inspired by Serena Williams' game tactics, and she always knocks her opponent out by not letting them to settle into the match.

Also read: Ace Against Odds: The Sania Mirza Story

The 16-year-old student of St Peter’s High School, Kolkata, is highly capable of notching up big, but what exactly makes her the next big thing in Indian women's tennis? Winning the tournament was an exceptional achievement as, according to a recent tie-up with the All India Tennis Association (AITA), all champions from the junior categories of a Ren-Des-Vous championship’s final round, which is to be held in India, will be selected to participate in the junior French Open this year.

Also Read:Seven things to know about this Indian girl who broke Sania Mirza’s record

So for Yubarani, clinching the title is as big as reaching the moon as at this young age. Getting to compete in an international platform such as the French Open is a dream come true for her.

Her father Arobinda Banerjee was a footballer in his heyday and also an employee of the Indian Air Force. So Yubarani had the opportunity to be the best in what she aspired to do and is still continuing to do so.  Arobinda Banerjee had regularly represented the Services in the Santosh trophy. He had also represented the Services in the senior national championship for 10 years. He later became a coach in the Services and helped the team be the runners-up seat in the 2008 Santosh Trophy.

READ: Sania Mirza’s Career’s Greatest Achievements

As any supportive father would be proud of his daughter’s achievement, Aurobinda said, “Now Yubarani needs financial support to take part in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) organised international circuit tournaments,” OneIndia News reported.

He added, "It is not possible for me alone to provide her financial requirements. If those things are sorted out, I am hopeful of my daughter’s future.”

Also Read: Sania Mirza Inaugurates Tennis Court For Kids In Hyderabad

Enrico Piperno, former Davis Cup player and coach of Leander Paes, is coaching Yubarani. When asked about how his new student is training, an optimistic Piperno said, “Yubarani is one of the most promising players in Bengal at the moment. More importantly, she has the determination and zeal. That is why, every day she reaches the training centre by five in the morning, travelling more than two hours from Chandannagar district.”

Yubarani has also started working out under well-known fitness expert Shane Nash.

Way to go, Yubarani!

READ: Is Sania Mirza’s Biopic On The Cards?

Feature Image Credit: The Telegraph

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