In a heartbreaking incident that has stunned the Indian sports community, 25-year-old tennis player Radhika Yadav was fatally shot by her father, Deepak Yadav, at their residence in Gurugram’s Sector 57 on July 10, 2025. The tragedy reportedly stemmed from a domestic dispute, with early reports suggesting tensions over Radhika’s social media activity, particularly her interest in creating Instagram reels2.
Radhika was a rising star in Indian tennis, especially in the doubles format. She held a career-best ITF ranking of #113 in women’s doubles as of November 2024 and was ranked #5 in Haryana. Her international standing placed her alongside other notable Indian players like Poorvi Bhatt (#109) and Thaniya Sarai Gogulamanda (#125)2. She had also made her mark in the AITA circuit, reaching #75 in Girls Under-18 and #35 in Women’s Singles, with a consistent presence in the Top 100 for over 100 weeks.
Born on March 23, 2000, Radhika’s tennis journey was marked by dedication and steady progress. She participated in several national and international tournaments, including the W15 event in Tunisia and matches against international players like Hsin-Yuan Shih of Taiwan4. Her tactical intelligence and agility on court earned her admiration from peers and coaches alike.
The incident occurred around 10:30 AM, when Deepak allegedly fired three bullets at Radhika following a heated argument. She was rushed to a private hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment. Gurugram Police have arrested the accused and recovered the weapon used in the crime1. An FIR has been registered, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances behind the tragedy.
Radhika’s untimely death has sparked conversations about mental health, family pressures, and the challenges faced by young athletes. Tributes continue to pour in from across the country, mourning the loss of a talented player whose career was just beginning to flourish.