It’s not official yet, but Kolkata lad Rupesh Roy has been selected in the elite ITF Junior team for this season. Placed 29th on the ITF list, Rupesh is the highest-ranked Indian on the world junior tennis circuit.

Rupesh’ mentor and Bengal Tennis Association (BTA) secretary Hironmoy Chatterjee told The Indian Express today: “The decision was finalised yesterday and Rupesh has been selected in the ITF junior team this season. As a result, he will be part of the elite group which will be totally sponsored by the ITF. Everything from his traveling to the lodging expenses will be taken care of by the ITF.” Rupesh is the only Indian player in the team. Apart from playing tournaments, the team will be provided training facilities as well.

Meanwhile, All India Tennis Association (AITA) secretary general and president of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Anil Khanna said: “We had proposed his name but I’m not too sure whether he has been selected. Once it’s confirmed the details will be spelt out.”

It may be recalled that Rupesh made the doubles finals of the Australian Open juniors this January along with partner Stephen Donald. The Indo-Aussie pair lost a tough three-set match against Graeme Dyce and Harri Heliovarra.

Interestingly, according to the official ITF website, Rupesh crossed his 18th birthday on February 16 earlier this year and hence is not eligible to be a part of the ITF junior (U-18) team. However, BTA secretary Chatterjee said: “He’s only 17. I’m sure something is wrong somewhere.”