Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised Jensi Dipakbhai Kanabar for her groundbreaking win at the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 & Under Trophy. Kanabar staged an impressive comeback from a 3-6, 0-2 deficit to defeat local favorite Musemma Cilek at the 2026 AO Asia-Pacific Elite 14 & Under Trophy. Mandaviya lauded Kanabar, a Khelo India athlete from Junagadh, Gujarat, for her historic achievement as the first Indian female to claim this title.
Kanabar’s triumph reflects the emerging talent from India’s regional tennis centers, with her victory showcasing remarkable resilience. Despite facing a challenging opponent and a hostile crowd, Kanabar’s unwavering determination led her to victory at Melbourne Park. The young prodigy from Junagarh reached the final without dropping a set, demonstrating exceptional composure and skill throughout the tournament.
In the semi-finals, Kanabar displayed remarkable composure against Japan’s Aoi Yoshida, securing her spot in the title match with a strong performance. She dominated Group A with a flawless 3-0 record, defeating promising young talents on her journey to the knockout stage. Kanabar’s consistent performance, winning eight consecutive sets in Melbourne, underscores her exceptional talent and determination on the court.
India’s tennis sensation Jensi made headlines last November by winning the ITF J60 Guwahati singles title at just 13 years old, competing against opponents up to four years her senior.
