Pakistan ITF tournament – Evaan about the experience

Starting with the ITF (International Tennis Federation) Jrs Debut, Evaan from Grade 10 recently visited Pakistan to participate in the tennis competition. Developing as a new international tennis player, he learnt that travelling to certain countries was difficult and challenging. Due to this, Evaan managed to initiate his activity by going to Pakistan as a beginning. However, while doing so he also discovered more about Pakistan and learned about what visiting the country is like. We reached out to Evaan to learn about what it means going internationally for tennis, as well as his experience in Pakistan meant.  

When we first think of Pakistan, the first thoughts we have are terrorism and enemies – Evaan, Grade 10 

After playing Indian national tennis, Evaan wanted to start with international tennis. But for Indian players it is a challenge to play in many places except Asia, especially the East and Southeast. Although he was hoping to be selected for Malaysia and South Korea, because of strict quarantine rules due to COVID-19, games at these countries did not become possible. However, Pakistan became possible and where he also signed up for u-18 rather than u-16. “My first option wasn't Pakistan honestly”, says Evaan, who as an Indian was a bit nervous to attend in the country from a distance. “But when we went and talked to the people there it was a lot more different from what we all believed”, explains Evaan, who has kept up contact with friends from Pakistan, with whom he talks about how India and Pakistan progressed in their tennis world cup, Davis cup. 

As a result, in Pakistan there was approximately 56 players from 20 different nations. In the tournament, Evaan played two Pakistanis, one Turk, one Romanian, and one Russian in different categories, including singles and doubles. “It was one of the best experiences I had, not only because it was my international debut but also because of all the players of different styles and people of different nationalities I met”, says Evaan. He felt that the people in Pakistan were very similar to Indians, and they had a similar culture and similar values. “Some of my very good friends from the tournament were in fact Pakistanis and I even met and practiced with their Davis cup captain, coach, and former number one.”  

Having been part of the international tennis cup, Evaan really enjoys the experiences. “I learned that we could compete competitively with the foreigners, as their game styles were not very different from some of the top Indian players”, says Evaan, who learned about himself as a tennis player and, perhaps more importantly, as a person what he would like to do in the future. “I would like to have a lot more chances to play internationally, and maybe in different nations and win a lot more matches and tournaments in the future”, says Evaan and hopes for trophies for the school once COVID is relaxed. 

For the longer-term future, Evaan has got a few plans for his career in tennis: “My near future goals are to increase my u-18 and men's ranking in India before I try to play more international because I want to experience more matches like the ones I faced internationally.” He also wants to try and do well in the Fenista nationals, enabling him to get sponsorship and to journey forward. “I also want to try and increase my UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) so I can play college tennis in the USA to get a good idea about professional tennis life”, says Evaan, who ultimately wishes to go professional with tennis. “But I also want to continue with my studies, as sports is always a risky career path so it's always good to have a backup.”