East Brunswick, NJ, July 15, 2025: Ronit Karki may not have lifted the trophy at this year’s Wimbledon junior boys’ final, but his inspiring journey from the qualifying rounds to the championship match has made him a rising star to watch in the world of tennis.
The 17-year-old from East Brunswick, New Jersey entered the tournament as a qualifier—meaning he had to win several matches just to get into the main draw. But once he was in, Karki showed incredible skill, determination, and heart. He defeated several top-ranked players, including the No. 11, No. 9, No. 16, and No. 10 seeds, to reach the final.
In the final match, Karki faced Bulgaria’s Ivan Ivanov, a player from the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy. Ivanov played a strong match and won 6-2, 6-3. Karki fought hard but couldn’t match Ivanov’s power and consistency that day.
Still, Karki’s journey made history. He became only the fifth player in Wimbledon junior boys’ history to reach the final after starting in the qualifying rounds. He is also the first American qualifier to ever reach the final.
His run through the tournament was not without challenges. In one match played under scorching heat, Karki suffered from cramps. A half-melted KitKat bar, along with plenty of water and electrolytes, helped him recover and push through to win.
Tennis fans and experts praised Karki for his grit, speed, and smart playing style. He’s currently ranked No. 52 on the ITF junior circuit and is committed to playing college tennis at Stanford University.
Karki’s performance comes on the heels of another Indian-American success story—Samir Banerjee, who won the Wimbledon boys’ title in 2021.
While Karki didn’t win the title, his performance proved he belongs on the big stage. As he prepares to start college later this year, many believe this is just the beginning of a bright tennis career.
Cover photo: Ronit Karki/Instagram.
