Junagadh’s prodigy Jensi Kanabar delivered a masterclass in resilience, capturing the prestigious Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 & Under Trophy 2026 and making history as the first Indian female champion. The 14-year-old’s feat drew effusive praise from Union Minister of Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
On social media platform X, the minister hailed her journey: ‘Junagadh to Melbourne – India’s moment of glory.’ He spotlighted her status as a Khelo India star who dominated the tournament.
Jensi’s path to the title was paved with dominant performances. She kicked off against Nepal’s Shivli Gurung (6-4, 6-2), then outplayed China’s Jinyu Zhou (7-5, 6-4) and New Zealand’s Joselyn Park (6-0, 6-1). The semifinals saw her edge out Japan’s Aoi Yoshida, setting up a tense final against Australian Mussemma Seleck.
Down but never out, Jensi overturned a 3-6, 0-2 deficit to triumph 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. Currently No. 1 in AITA’s U-14 and U-16 rankings, Jensi’s technical prowess and mental fortitude have marked her as a future star.
This win underscores the success of India’s sports ecosystem, particularly Khelo India, in nurturing talent from small towns. As she eyes bigger stages like junior Grand Slams, Jensi Kanabar embodies the new wave of Indian tennis excellence, promising more milestones ahead.
