This July, Tenicity welcomed Division I tennis player Rohan Belday, a sophomore at the University of Washington, to Minnesota for two weeks of intensive training under Harsh Mankad. Originally from New Jersey, Rohan came to sharpen his game and to immerse himself in a high performance, individualized coaching environment.
About Rohan
Rohan has been passionate about tennis since childhood, inspired by his older brother’s lessons. While he played several sports growing up, tennis stood out. Today, he is a key member of the University of Washington Men’s Tennis Team. One of his favorite collegiate memories came in 2025, when Washington defeated their rivals, Oregon, in a special match that celebrated three graduating seniors.
“I had never played on a team before college, so that moment was unforgettable,” Rohan shared.
Training with Harsh Mankad
Rohan’s decision to train in Minnesota was straightforward: “I came to Minnesota because Harsh is here.”
Within just two days, Harsh’s insight into his game left an impression:
“He knew my game inside out. Harsh knows exactly what I need to work on. Having that experience in a coach is amazing—you get to put your trust in him.”
Over two weeks, Rohan benefited from a mix of high-level sparring partners and tailored coaching. The training included not just on-court tennis drills and practice matches, but also off-court fitness sessions with Triphasic Training led by Cal Dietz. Rohan valued the individualized approach:
“Everything was detail-oriented. My training week was personalized and well tailored to my game.”
Coaching Insights
When asked about the most resonant coaching tip, Rohan recalled Harsh’s advice: “At higher levels, it’s the mental game that wins matches. That last extra effort can make the difference.”
This emphasis on mindset has shifted Rohan’s approach:
“Harsh encourages me to see the positives in situations. That’s been huge for me.”
Goals & Aspirations
Rohan’s ambitions extend across both collegiate and professional tennis:
- Short-Term Goals: earn his first ATP singles point, add to his doubles record, and help Washington compete for a Big Ten title.
- Long-Term Goals: play all four Grand Slams and become the best player he can be, leaving the sport with no regrets.
“At the end of it all, I want to have no regrets. I want to go all in, work with every coach I can, and be the best tennis player I can be, regardless of the results.”
Inspiration for Youth Players
Rohan also offered advice for aspiring juniors:
“Enjoy every moment and have fun. You won’t always feel great in practice, and you’ll face plenty of setbacks. But if you keep your joy for the sport, you can go far. Don’t compare yourself to others—play tennis because you enjoy it.”
He also drew inspiration from his idol Rafael Nadal: “Nadal is left-handed like me. He’s humble and always brings intensity on court.”
Rohan’s favorite tournament is the US Open, which he has attended every year growing up. In 2024, he achieved his junior dream by playing the Junior US Open—and even practiced with Jannik Sinner before his semifinal match.
Coach’s Note
“Rohan demonstrated strong commitment, focus, and motivation to learn and improve,” Harsh shared. “We have been able to establish a working relationship with clear goals for his long-term development. I look forward to supporting his development as a player and person, and to him achieving his objectives in the game.”
Rohan’s time in Minnesota reflects Tenicity’s mission: to provide high-level, personalized coaching for players at every stage. His journey with Harsh is just the beginning, and we are excited to see where his dedication and passion will take him next.
Article written by Tenicity Intern, Sonali Bhaskar.
