India, Sept. 16 -- At Wake Forest University, Dhakshineswar Suresh always had someone around him. Teammates to train with, friends to share the journey and a support system working towards the same goal.

The professional tour is a different world.

Here, the recently graduated Indian tennis player has to travel alone, look after his body, manage his schedule, find the right coach and stay mentally steady, often while playing tournaments week after week.

The transition has given him a new understanding of what it takes to make it as a professional, with his biggest learning being that possessing the level is only the beginning.

"I found out that I do have the level. It's just how consistent I can be like that on a day-to-day basis and e...