Serve, win, inspire: How Aarushi Kakkar’s award-winning career and mentorship are redefining Tennis excellence

 

Fast and unstoppable on the court and a source of inspiration for the new generation of athletes, Aarushi Kakkar is a force to be reckoned with in tennis. From her humble beginnings in a small Indian town to dominating the sun-soaked courts of Miami, this rising legend has shattered every limit and defied every expectation.

For Aarushi, success isn’t just about winning matches; what matters is making a lasting impact: “I want to show India and my family that sports can be a viable path,” she shares. “My cousins were discouraged from pursuing the sport because it’s often considered risky compared to cricket or academics. I want to raise awareness that sports can be a valid and rewarding option.”

Aarushi’s achievements are impressive. This renowned athlete also earned a spot on the 2017-2020 OVC (Ohio Valley Conference) Commissioner’s Honor Roll for maintaining a 3.25+ GPA (Grade Point Average) and was recognized with the 2021-2022 AAC (American Athletic Conference) All-Academic Honors for a GPA of 3.5+. 

Aarushi’s accolades show that one doesn’t have to choose between sports and academics; it’s possible to excel in both. Her journey inspires and reminds us that with the right mindset and perseverance, anything is possible.

A Serve That Started It All

Aarushi’s love for tennis started in her childhood summers in India, where she’d pick up a new sport each year. But tennis was different. It captured her heart and never let go: “I played my first tournament and lost,” she recalls. “But instead of walking away, I felt a strong urge to keep going. I was never fully satisfied, and that’s what kept me hooked.” 

That relentless drive pushed her to the top of India’s junior ranks, where she peaked at No. 9 in the U-16 category and No. 17 in U-18, eventually climbing to No. 33 in the national women’s rankings by 2016. Her ITF (International Tennis Federation) Junior Ranking reached an impressive 1209 in 2015, placing her among the world’s top young talents out of millions.

Her trophy collection tells the story of a prodigy in the making. At just 14, she dominated the AITA (All India Tennis Association) Talent Series Junior Circuit in Chandigarh, winning both singles and doubles U-14 titles in 2012. By 2015, she had taken over the National Ranking Tennis Championship Series, claiming the women’s singles and striking gold at the 59th and 60th National School Games.

That same year, this highly-regarded athlete achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the Road to Roland Garros Juniors wildcard event in New Delhi. At the time, she ranked No. 9 among India’s top 20 U-16 players. This event, linked to the prestigious French Open, allowed Aarushi to compete at a high level. 

Her consistently stellar performances caught the attention of HEAD Tennis, a global brand endorsed by stars like Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. HEAD sponsored Aarushi from 2015 to 2017, which reflected her status as one of India’s top junior tennis talents.

Guravinder Singh Sahota, Aarushi’s former coach, recalls his time working with her in India: “I had the privilege of coaching Aarushi, and from the start, I could see her exceptional talent,” says Sahota. “Her game was always well-rounded: strategic, versatile, and adaptable to any situation. But what stood out most was her competitive spirit.”

 “Aarushi’s work ethic was unmatched. She never took shortcuts, and always pushed herself beyond her limits,” Sahota adds. “What I really admired about her was how open she was to learning. She absorbed feedback quickly and applied it, which made coaching her a true joy. You could always count on her dedication, whether it was in training or during matches. She was one of those rare players who never backed down, no matter the challenge.”

Winning Across Continents

Aarushi’s success didn’t stop at junior tennis. At just 11, she qualified for the Junior Roland Garros wildcard tournament, a feat that required her to crack the top 10 in India. 

Aarushi’s decision to come to America was driven by her intense desire to receive better training and compete at a higher level. Training and competing against a variety of players only deepened her motivation.

Aarushi has played for TSU (Tennessee State University) in the NCAA Division, the highest level of college sports in the U.S. During her time at TSU, she was recognized as the Best Singles Player of the Year for four consecutive years, from 2018 to 2021. 

She also earned runner-up finishes in both singles and doubles at the HBCU Invitational (2017–2018). In March 2019, Aarushi was honored as the OVC Tennis Player of the Week.

After her successful stint at TSU, Aarushi continued her tennis career at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she also pursued an M.A. in Fashion Design. At SCAD, she excelled in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics NAIA) tennis. 

In 2022, she achieved a career-high ranking of No. 15 in the NAIA ITA National Singles Rankings and No. 20 in doubles. Additionally, she earned a spot on the AAC (American Athletic Conference) Women’s Tennis First-Team All-Conference for the 2021-2022 season.

Even as she made waves in the U.S., Aarushi’s impact back home in India didn’t go unnoticed. “Aarushi has been a registered member with us since 2013,” says Vinit Pundir, Administrator of AITA. “She’s consistently ranked among the top female tennis players in India and even reached No. 9 in the national rankings. Her string of victories speaks for itself.”

He adds: “People often think international tournaments like Roland Garros are all about talent, and of course, talent matters, but it’s also about going through the right system and proving yourself,” says Vinit Pundir. 

“Aarushi did just that. She earned her spot in the Wild Card Road to Roland Garros tournament, which is one of the most prestigious junior events out there. That’s no small achievement.”

The Athlete’s Edge: Expertise in Motion

What truly sets Aarushi apart isn’t just her trophy haul: it’s her athletic mastery. Her lightning-fast footwork and mental toughness make her a nightmare for opponents: “Even if I’m down with no chance, I’ll still try to come back,” she says. That resilience turned her from a defensive junior into an attacking pro, a 360-degree shift she mastered in college. 

Her game isn’t just instinctive; it’s rooted in discipline. Aarushi follows five core practice values: no self-criticism, never giving up, punctuality, preparation, and consistency: “If I’m working on something, I want to fix it today,” she says. This attitude earned her the respect of peers who describe her as “disciplined” and “unstoppable.”

She’s also known for her quirky rituals, like bouncing the ball exactly three times before her first serve. But behind that superstition lies a tactical genius, her ability to shift pace mid-match which shows a level of strategy rare in players her age.

Reflecting on her journey, the tennis star shares: “When I came to America, I realized my defensive game wouldn’t cut it anymore. I had to make a complete 360 and become an attacker. That shift reignited my pro ambitions.”

In 2021, Aarushi made history as the first SCAD player to reach the ITA Regionals semifinals, earning SCAD Player of the Year honors in both 2021 and 2022: “I’d say my footwork sets me apart. I’m quick and agile on the court,” she explains. “Tennis built a strong personality in me. It brought me out of my shell and taught me to adapt.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Her coaching stints, including roles as Head Coach at KenMont and KenWood Camp (2021) and Tennis Professional at YMCA Maryland Farms (2018), show her remarkable ability to inspire and lead. 

At SCAD, this highly-regarded thesis star played an important role in junior development at Arise Tennis Academy. She guided the next generation of players. 

In 2020, Aarushi gave an interview with TSU called “Kakkar Uses Rejection to Fuel Tennis Career,” which gained a lot of attention, particularly on how it inspires resilience. Aarushi encourages aspiring professionals with a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Believe in yourself,” a mindset she’s lived by throughout her own journey.

 “Even if only one person believes you can make it, trust that belief and use it to fuel your growth,” she says. 

This sought-after athlete’s dedication to the sport is evident in both her personal and professional journey. This makes her a role model for those aspiring to carve their own path in the competitive world of tennis. 

A Legacy of Excellence

Aarushi’s tennis journey is a powerful story of grit, passion, and unshakable self-belief. What started as a pastime became a huge part of her identity: “As a kid, I was very introverted,” she recalls. “Tennis pulled me out of my shell. It forced me to travel, to grow. I came to America alone, and it built a stronger version of me.”

Her transformation wasn’t just about becoming a better athlete; it was deeply personal. Tennis taught Aarushi discipline, built her confidence, and shaped her mindset: “If I’m working on something in practice, I want to get it right that day,” she says. “I don’t give up easily.”

Behind her drive is someone who believes in her as much as—if not more—than she believes in herself: her coach, Kawanes Ross: “He doesn’t even charge me to train,” she shares. “His belief in me sometimes surpasses my own, keeping me going.”

Now, with her eyes set on a professional career, Aarushi shares a message of hope and resilience for aspiring athletes: “Believe in yourself. Even if only one person believes in you, trust your gut. Tennis is tough. I’ve doubted it, but self-belief will carry you through, just like how it did with mine.”

Aarushi doesn’t just want to be known for her wins and trophies. She wants to be remembered for her willpower: “I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything and defied the odds,” she shares.

Aarushi’s journey reminds us that greatness isn’t just measured in trophies but in the courage to keep showing up, day after day, point after point, even when no one’s watching. In a world that often celebrates instant success, Aarushi’s story is a reminder that true greatness is forged in the unseen hours—in the sweat, the setbacks, and the silent moments of doubt. Dreams aren’t reserved for the lucky; they belong to those who refuse to quit: “The fight, the faith, and the fire within you can take you further than you ever imagined,” says Aarushi. And for anyone standing at the edge of uncertainty, her story reminds us to keep going.