“Male Ego”: Outrage After 25-Year-Old Tennis Pro Is Fatally Shot By Dad Mocked For Living Off Her Money

A gruesome tale of jealousy and abuse unfolded in Gurugram, India, on Wednesday, July 10, when Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old national-level tennis player, was fatally shot by her own father inside their duplex home.

According to police, 49-year-old Deepak Yadav, fired five bullets at his daughter while she was cooking breakfast—three of them striking her in the back—after being humiliated by villagers who mocked him for living off her earnings. 

“He was ashamed, angry, and felt like people were laughing at him,” an investigator said. “That shame turned into rage, and he killed her for it.”

A father fatally shot his successful athlete daughter out of jealousy, neighbors were mocking him for “living off of her earnings”

Tennis pro in action hitting a serve on court, highlighting the sports career of a young female athlete.

Image credits: Prashant Gurung

The fatal attack took place shortly after 10:30 am. Only Radhika, her father, and her mother, Manju, were present in the home. Her younger brother was away at the time.

According to investigators, the incident followed a heated argument between father and daughter, part of an ongoing conflict that had escalated in recent weeks.

Young female tennis pro smiling on clay court holding a trophy, highlighting male ego controversy in sports.

Image credits: Team Tennis India

Mr. Yadav had been pressuring Radhika to shut down the tennis academy she had founded in Gurugram, an endeavor that had become both her livelihood and legacy. Despite his repeated demands, she refused to comply.

Radhika, once a competitive athlete who represented Haryana in national tournaments and played 36 singles and 7 doubles matches under the International Tennis Federation, had transitioned into coaching after her last singles appearance in March 2024.

Young female tennis pro wearing knee brace hitting a backhand shot on an outdoor clay court during practice.

Image credits: Team Tennis India

Friends described her as ambitious, grounded, and committed to helping young athletes break into the sport. Her mission was especially important to girls who looked up to her as a figure who succeeded despite facing the country’s gender bias.

However, the same success that made her an inspirational figure became a source of humiliation for her father.

The father offered no resistance and confirmed that his actions were driven by jealousy and shame

Middle-aged man with gray hair and mustache against a neutral background related to male ego controversy in tennis case.

Image credits: IPS

Residents in their native village of Wazirabad, outside Gurugram, had mocked Deepak for his daughter’s independence and growing fame, taunting him for not contributing to the family’s wealth.

Although he earned a modest income from rental properties, the balance of power at home had shifted, and with it, his pride.

Young female tennis pro smiling outdoors with long hair, related to male ego controversy over fatal shooting by dad.

Image credits: IAaravvv

“He could not stand the thought of people calling him useless,” a police official said. “And she wouldn’t stop doing the very thing that made them say it.”

At the time of the shooting, Radhika was in the kitchen preparing breakfast when her father approached her with his licensed revolver and opened fire. Her uncle, Kuldeep Yadav, who lived on the ground floor of the same building, said he heard loud bangs and ran upstairs only to find his niece lying in a pool of blood.

Desperate, he carried Radhika’s body and rushed her to Asia Maringo Hospital in their car, but it was too late.

Close-up of a person stacking coins representing financial control and male ego in money management.

Image credits: Towfiqu barbhuiya

The initial police report stated Radhika had been shot from behind. However, a postmortem report later contradicted that version, revealing four bullets had entered her chest.

Inside the home, officers recovered the murder weapon, live cartridges, and additional forensic evidence.

Deepak Yadav was immediately arrested at the scene and later confessed to the crime. He has been charged with murder and unlawful possession and use of a firearm under the Indian Penal Code and remains in custody.

Radhika had become a beloved figure in her community, especially among girls who looked up to her

Female tennis player preparing to serve on court, highlighting tennis pro in outdoor sports setting.

Image credits: Ahmet Kurt

Speaking to local media, Deepak confirmed that he had shot his daughter due to her refusal to close her academy which, in his mind, was the source of the ridicule he was receiving from his neighbors. 

“They said I lived off her money,” he told authorities.

Manju, Radhika’s mother, has not provided a detailed statement. Officers said she was unwell and remained in her room during the incident.

Three Indian police officers in uniform standing in front of a police vehicle representing male ego and tennis pro shooting case.

Image credits: brownhistory

Authorities expect Deepak to face trial later this year. Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Radhika, remembering her as a promising athlete, mentor, and fighter who never stopped pushing forward for equality in sports.

“She was more than a player,” one former teammate said. “She was a symbol of what women can achieve. And she was taken by the very person who should have protected her.”

“Makes me sick.” Netizens took to social media to express their outrage over the incident

Screenshot of a Twitter reply expressing shock about a 25-year-old tennis pro fatally shot by her dad, highlighting male ego outrage.

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Screenshot of a tweet discussing toxic masculinity and a father's ego in the context of a female athlete's tragic death.

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Tweet screenshot showing a comment on male ego related to outrage after a tennis pro’s fatal shooting incident.

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Tweet by Mukesh Kushwaha expressing shame over the male ego controversy involving a 25-year-old tennis pro's fatal shooting.

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Tweet discussing outrage over a father mocking his financially independent daughter after fatal shooting incident.

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Tweet from Suvichaar on male ego and societal issues, posted on July 11, 2025, discussing ego and dreams in society.

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Tweet discussing fragile male ego and patriarchy in context of a father’s rejection of his hardworking daughter.

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Tweet expressing outrage and feeling sick about the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old tennis pro by her father.

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Twitter user Vikrant replying with a sad emoji, expressing frustration about online reactions to a tennis pro shooting incident.

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Tweet discussing societal mentality affecting sports interest and ecosystem amid outrage over male ego in tennis pro case

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