Breaking new ground in international tennis, Jensi Kanabar, the 14-year-old sensation from Gujarat’s Junagadh, has become the first Indian girl to win the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 and Under Trophy 2026. Her achievement was celebrated by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on X.
‘From Junagadh to Melbourne, India’s pride,’ the minister tweeted, congratulating the Khelo India athlete for her pioneering success. No Indian woman had previously lifted this trophy.
Jensi’s campaign was flawless. She started strong with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Shivli Gurung of Nepal, followed by gritty wins against Jinyu Zhou of China (7-5, 6-4) and a bagel-set shutout of New Zealand’s Joselyn Park (6-0, 6-1). In the semis, she defeated Japan’s Aoi Yoshida to reach the final.
Facing Australia’s Mussemma Seleck, Jensi fought back from 3-6, 0-2 behind to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in a comeback for the ages. Holding top spots in AITA U-14 and U-16, her blend of power, precision, and perseverance shines through.
Supported by Khelo India, Jensi’s story is one of untapped potential from rural India rising to global acclaim. This triumph could herald a golden era for Indian women’s tennis, with Jensi poised to dominate junior tours and beyond.