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Jensi Kanabar Makes History as First Indian Girl to Win Australian Open Junior Title

14-year-old Jensi Kanabar from Junagadh, Gujarat, has created history by becoming the first Indian girl to win the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 and Under Trophy. She clinched the 2026 title in Melbourne with a comeback victory over Australia's Musemma Cilek. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the Khelo India athlete, highlighting the scheme's role in her development. Kanabar, who aims to win a Junior Grand Slam and an Olympic medal for India, has received comprehensive support including financial aid and coaching through the Khelo India program.

Key Points: Indian Girl Jensi Kanabar Wins Australian Open Junior Trophy

  • First Indian girl to win the title
  • Won 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in final
  • Supported by Khelo India scheme
  • Aims for Junior Grand Slam & Olympics
2 min read

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulates Jensi Kanabar for winning Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 and Under Trophy

14-year-old Jensi Kanabar from Gujarat becomes first Indian girl to win the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 & Under Trophy 2026.

"The feeling of winning the Australian Open is fantastic and now I turn my attention to winning the Junior Grand Slam - Jensi Kanabar"

New Delhi, January 31

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the 14-year-old Jensi Kanabar from Junagadh in Gujarat, after she became the first Indian girl to win the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 and Under Trophy 2026.

The young sensation's feat marked a watershed moment for Indian junior tennis and underscores the impact of sustained athlete support under the Khelo India scheme.

"From Junagadh to Melbourne -- India's pride serves an ace! Congratulations to our Khelo India athlete Jensi Kanabar from Junagadh, Gujarat, for winning the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 & Under Trophy 2026 and becoming the first Indian female to achieve this historic feat," Mansukh Mandaviya wrote on X.

Jensi etched her name into the annals of Indian tennis history, becoming the first Indian girl to win a title at the 2026 Australian Open Asia-Pacific Elite 14 & Under Trophy held at Melbourne Park, according to a release.

The Gujarati girl clinched a memorable 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory in front of a partisan home crowd against Australia's Musemma Cilek. Jensi had earlier topped her round-robin group with a perfect record, winning 12 out of 15 games.

"The feeling of winning the Australian Open is fantastic and now I turn my attention to winning the Junior Grand Slam and Pro Circuit as well," Jensin told SAI from Melbourne on Friday. "Last year I have played the Wimbledon as well as a lot of foreign competitions and that prepared me for this. My major aim remains to give India a medal at the Olympics."

Jensi has had been backed as a Khelo India Athlete (KIA) since April 2024. Besides financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per month, she has been benefited with access to high-quality coaching and competitive exposure, enhanced training infrastructure and tournament readiness support, besides the financial assistance and developmental backing aimed at preparing India's junior talent for global platforms.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is fantastic news! We need to celebrate our sports stars more than our film stars. Jensi's win proves that with proper support, Indian athletes can dominate globally. Hope the government continues and expands schemes like Khelo India.
D
David E
As someone who follows tennis closely, this is a massive result. Winning in Australia against a local favourite shows tremendous mental strength. The roadmap from Khelo India to Junior Grand Slams seems to be working. Well done!
A
Aman W
While this is a proud moment, we must be cautious. One success doesn't mean the system is fixed. We've seen many juniors fade away. The real test is consistent support through her transition to the senior circuit. The ₹10,000/month is a start, but will it be enough for world-class training long-term?
S
Shreya B
Junagadh to Melbourne! 🇮🇳 So inspiring for young girls across India, especially in smaller cities. It breaks the myth that you need to be from a metro to achieve global success. Her parents and coaches must be over the moon!
K
Karthik V
The comeback win (3-6, 6-4, 6-1) shows her champion mentality. Losing the first set and then dominating? Brilliant. This is the kind of sports news that fills me with hope. Let's make sure her journey is covered as much as cricket!

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