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Former Indian tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, is now enjoying his time exploring pickleball. “I’ve been playing pickleball for about six months now. I play it for fun,” Gunneswaran said. “It’s obviously a racket sport that I could pick up pretty easily because of tennis. There’s a lot of overlap between the two sports, with similar surfaces, paddles, and balls; they’re all very similar. So it was fun for me. I play with a bunch of my friends, you know, now and then.” On the similarities and differences between the two sports, he added, “I mean, it’s a racket sport. It’s obviously played on the same surface. It’s a smaller court. But that’s pretty much it, I guess. I mean, it still has a forehand and a backhand and volleys, so that’s the similarity, I guess. However, as the level increases, there are more and more differences. You’ll probably have to ask someone who plays pickleball enough to give you a better answer than that.” Asked if he plays the sport seriously, Gunneswaran admitted: “No, I play once in a while just for fun.” When told his level seemed impressive for someone who only plays occasionally, he smiled: “Thank you. Thank you. I guess my tennis helps me.” Reflecting on the Rise Up Championship – Pickleball By The Bay in Chennai, he praised the setup. “This tournament’s been very, very nice. I arrived here first this morning at 7:30, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the setup with the bubble and the air conditioning. And it has an amazing view with the sea right behind us. So it’s a pretty spectacular view. And I think the tournament’s been done really well. All the matches are going on time, which is obviously pretty difficult to do. Usually, I know how it is when it comes to scheduling. I think the organisers have done a great job in making the participants happy. So I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend.” On the sport’s growth in his home city, Gunneswaran said: “Yeah, it’s been pretty tremendous. Many pickleball courts are popping up everywhere, and a lot of people are playing it. Many people I know who’ve never had an athletic background or played any other sport are now playing pickleball. It shows that there’s a way for people who haven’t played any other sports to participate in pickleball. That’s a significant draw for pickleball. And I think that’s very good because the more people who play a sport and are active, the better it is for them. So I think it’s a very healthy part of the ecosystem that’s building.” Looking back on his tennis journey, he said, “Yeah, I mean, looking back, I’m obviously pleased with everything that I’ve been able to achieve. And, you know, all the goals that I set and I chased. And it’s been a lifetime of chasing my dream in tennis. And I’m pleased with where I got. And I’m just enjoying the next chapter.” He also had a message for young players: “Well, I would say start early, enjoy the game and work hard.” Rise Up Championship The Rise Up Championship carries a weight of firsts. It is India’s maiden PWR 1000, placing it alongside elite global pickleball competitions. For players, it’s a chance to earn serious points and prestige. But what truly makes it groundbreaking is its setting. Instead of indoor stadiums or gated sports clubs, temporary courts will spring up on the resort’s beach lawns, framed by palm trees, sea spray, and the horizon itself. This coastal canvas elevates pickleball into an experience. Athletes will not only battle rivals but also contend with the elements — humidity, breeze, and the hypnotic sound of waves. For fans, the event promises more than rallies and scoreboards: Sundowner parties, music, and seaside revelry are woven into the schedule, turning the tournament into a festival of sport and spirit. About Indian Pickleball Association: The Indian Pickleball Association is the official governing body for pickleball in India and is dedicated to promoting, developing, and organising the sport across the country. The association continues to inspire players of all ages and skill levels to embrace the game through events like the IPA Nationals. IPA is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). About Pickleball World Ranking: PWR is a national ranking system that spans all age groups, skill divisions, and formats -including singles, doubles, and mixed categories. It serves as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India. With multiple sanctioned events taking place every week across the country, PWR defines the top Indian players at every level and forms the foundation for team selection at the school, district, state, and national stages.
