After moving up from World No. 302 in the Women's Tennis Association rankings on September 9, Sahaja Yamalapalli emerged as the leading women's tennis player in India. Having been involved in the sport since she was ten years old, the Telangana native has made notable progress on international courts despite having only recently decided to play professionally. In addition, the 23-year-old is just the third female tennis player to win a professional title from the International Tennis Federation. Yamalapalli most recently emerged victorious in the SoCal Pro Series in Rolling Hills Estates, California's Jack Kramer Club.

Winning & Having A Humble Heart ~

(Source: Google Images)  

Despite securing first place in India, Yamalapalli believes she still has much more to achieve and look forward to in her career. She told Sportstar, "For me, this ranking is just another milestone and a reminder that I keep doing things that I have been doing to be a better player." 

"Basically, I have been focusing to be a complete player on all surfaces," Yamalapalli continued. Even though I have played primarily on hard courts in the past, I am definitely working to improve on clay courts as well. That I was able to go to the semifinals of a clay court tournament a few days ago makes me happy."

(Source: Google Images ) 

Amalapalli, a resident of Khammam, attributes some of her success to Prahlad Kumar Jain, a pharmaceutical company owner and former tennis coach, for his encouragement and financial support. According to reports, the Lakshya Sports Foundation, a nonprofit, also provides funding for her.

"The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." —Thomas Edison.