Indian tennis player Radhika Yadav’s WhatsApp texts before death: ‘Too many restrictions’

Dubai: Indian tennis player Radhika Yadav, 25, who was tragically shot dead by her father on July 10, had expressed in WhatsApp messages her wish to spend a few months abroad to “live an independent life” and “enjoy life,” NDTV reported.

Her chats with coach Ajay Yadav showed she planned to be away from home between October and December, preferring Dubai and Australia over China due to food preferences. She hoped to leave for one to two months to gain independence and pursue courses, feeling restricted at home.

According to NDTV, she expressed a desire to “get out for some time,” telling Ajay, “Anything will do, I want to get out of here for some time.”

In another message, she said, “Family members are fine, but I want to live independently for some time. I want to enjoy life—there are a lot of restrictions here. Also, the aim is to do some courses.”

Radhika had spoken to her father about these plans, but he refused, citing financial concerns.

Another coach, Ankit Patel, told NDTV he never observed any visible conflict between Radhika and her father, noting their close relationship and his support for her tennis career.

Fifty-one-year-old Deepak Yadav was arrested and confessed to shooting his daughter. Police confirmed the shooting took place around 10:30 a.m. in their kitchen, with family members corroborating the timeline.

Deepak admitted he shot Radhika because he was mocked for living off her income from the tennis academy she ran. Gurugram police spokesperson Sandeep Singh said, “Her father was not happy with it. On many occasions, he had told her to shut it, but she did not agree. Angered, he shot her.”

Police also stated Deepak felt financially secure from rental income and saw no need for Radhika to manage the academy.

Sources indicated that Radhika’s appearance in a romantic music video in 2024 might have further strained family relations. Police are investigating all angles, including her mother’s role during the incident.

According to an FIR filed by Radhika’s uncle Kuldeep Yadav, only Deepak, Radhika, and her mother Manju lived on the first floor of their house in Sector 57, with Kuldeep’s family downstairs. At the time of the shooting, only the three were upstairs; Radhika’s brother was not home. Kuldeep said he heard a loud explosion around 10:30 am  and rushed upstairs.

Taunts from relatives contributed to conflict

Investigators say the murder stemmed from a long-standing dispute over Radhika’s tennis academy. Deepak, reportedly unemployed, was upset by relatives in their native village who mocked him for depending on his daughter’s income, which hurt his pride and led to depression.

Assistant Commissioner of Police told the press, “He wanted her to shut down the academy, but she refused. That disagreement turned fatal.”

The FIR noted Deepak had been mentally disturbed for about two weeks prior and admitted to using his licensed revolver in a moment of rage.

No other family members were present during the shooting. Radhika was rushed to a private hospital in critical condition but died shortly after arrival. Police were notified following confirmation of her death.

Born on March 23, 2000, Radhika achieved a career-high Under-18 AITA ranking of 75 and a women’s singles ranking of 35. She reached 113 in the ITF women’s doubles circuit and was ranked fifth in Haryana for women’s doubles. She was regarded as a promising emerging player in India.

Radhika’s death has deeply affected the Indian tennis community. Fellow athletes and friends mourned her passing, remembering her as a passionate, hardworking player with a bright future. Her mother has not made a formal statement, reportedly due to illness.

Police investigations continue as the community grieves the loss of a talented young athlete whose life was tragically cut short.