Motivational Speaking & Athlete Mentorship
Available across India
I share practical mental strategies, real stories from pro tennis, and nutrition advice to help athletes and teams build resilience and perform better.
Pricing Guide
Youth Tennis Mentorship & Court Session
Session Components
- Journey to No. 1 Talk: A candid 20-30 minute session detailing the reality of the pro circuit and rising from financial constraints to leading the Billie Jean King Cup team.
- On-Court Demo: Live demonstration of high-level techniques (serve mechanics, aggressive baseline play) and hitting sessions with select top-performing students.
- Technical Correction: Active participation in academy drills to provide real-time feedback on footwork and positioning.
Guidance & Interaction
- Parent & Athlete Q&A: 30-minute dedicated slot covering US College Tennis pathways, managing academics vs. sport, and sponsorship challenges.
- Mental Basics: Introduction to pre-match visualization techniques.
- Meet & Greet: Group photography and autograph signing session.
Performance Nutrition & Mental Fortitude Workshop
Nutritional Strategy
- The Athlete's Plate: Detailed breakdown of pre-match, during-match (hydration/electrolytes), and post-match recovery nutrition backed by her Food Science background.
- Budget Optimization: Practical advice on maintaining a high-performance diet using locally available Indian superfoods rather than expensive imports.
Mental Training Modules
- The Reset Button: Instruction on specific breathing and meditation routines used to recover focus after losing a set.
- Guided Visualization: A 15-minute exercise walking athletes through mental rehearsals of playing the perfect point.
- Routine Building: Assistance in constructing a 24-hour schedule that balances training, rest, and nutrition.
Corporate Keynote: Resilience & Leadership
Executive Keynote
- Customized Narrative: 45-60 minute address tailored to company themes, using her 'loss-to-win' turnaround stories to illustrate resilience and process over outcome.
- Pressure Framework: Insights on handling high-stakes performance and public expectation, applied to corporate leadership scenarios.
- Visual Components: Professional presentation deck featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the global tour and BJK Cup.
Brand Engagement
- Leadership Meet & Greet: 15-minute exclusive interaction with C-suite executives prior to the main event.
- Interactive Q&A: Open floor for employees to discuss discipline, work-life balance, and overcoming failure.
- Digital Association: One social media mention tagging the corporate partner on her official channels.
About Motivational Speaking & Athlete Mentorship
My Story, Upfront
I’m Sahaja, a professional tennis player who’s seen both the high of winning for India and the grind behind the scenes. Getting to No. 1 wasn’t all trophies – there were rough patches, money worries, and days when quitting felt easier. My family and random strangers had my back. Now, I feel it’s my turn to give back.
What I Bring
I don’t do scripted talks or sugarcoat things. Whether you’re a young athlete, a student figuring out your path, or a team chasing big goals, I share what actually works, straight from my own journey.
- Athlete mindset coaching: I break down real mental strategies like meditation and visualization, not just pep talks.
- Sports nutrition for athletes: My degree in Food Science and Nutrition means I can help you understand how eating right fuels performance.
- The realities of pro sports: From money problems to building a support team, I tell it as it is – no glamour filter.
- Women in sports empowerment: As a female athlete, I want to see more girls breaking barriers.
Who’s It For?
- Young athletes: On-court tips, off-court discipline, and life advice.
- Schools & teams: Honest stories about bouncing back and why sticking to the process matters.
- Corporate teams: How the lessons from sport – grit, resilience, process – push teams to peak performance.
I believe in the grind, staying grateful, and that a strong mind is as important as a strong body. If my story helps you fight a little harder, that’s what matters to me.
Meet your Expert
Sahaja Yamalapalli
33 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Hey, I'm Sahaja. Grew up hustling for every tennis ball, sometimes stringing racquets and tutoring just to stay in the game. From crowd-funding my first pro tour to playing college tennis in the US, I’ve seen the tough side. My family, my team, and God have always backed me. Got a degree in food science too, so I know what goes into an athlete’s body. Now, I’m here to show young players that hard work and resilience can take you far.
My Work
Personal Tennis Coaching - I offer one-on-one and group tennis sessions, focusing on technique and aggressive baseline play.
Mental Game Training - I teach meditation and visualisation techniques for athletes to build mental toughness for tennis.
Nutrition Guidance for Players - Using my food science degree, I help with tennis nutrition planning for peak performance.
Mentorship for Young Players - I work with passionate youngsters, helping shape their skills and mindset for a long tennis journey.
