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21-year-old Ankita Raina made the headlines on Saturday after lifting the ITF $25000 title in Pune. India’s highest ranked tennis player dominated the final against Katy Dunne, beating the British girl 6-2, 6-2. Ankita became the first Indian to win an ITF $25000 title on Indian and only the third Indian after Nirupama Vaidynathan-Sanjeev and Sania MIrza to win the title worldwide.
With the win, Ankita ended the 2014 season on a high. Although, her eyes are firmly set on breaking the top 200 ranking, Ankita’s eventful journey has helped her maintain her vision for the future.
Born and raised in Ahmedabad, Ankita picked up a tennis racquet when she was four. After showing great potential, she participated in the under-14 Asian Super Series with tournaments held across Asia. Coming from a middle-class background, finances weren’t aplenty and Ankita had to seek sponsors to travel. Luckily for her, Jagdish Vyas, owner of Dishman Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals offered to fund her expenses during the Super Series.
Ankita made the most of the opportunity and finished second in the entire series. The finals of the tournament were held at Melbourne Park, the venue of the Australian Open. At a very young age, Ankita was exposed to the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and other greats of tennis.
Ankita then moved to Pune for advanced training and was supported by Lakshya, an NGO that supports upcoming sportspersons. As she progressed, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured the talented star has the backing of the government.
Under a new scheme called Shaktidhoot Yojna, which was the brainchild of Modi, Ankita will receive Rs. 25 lakhs per year. Bhagyesh Jha, Secretary of the Sports, Youth & Cultural Activities Department of Gujrat, Sandeep Pradhan, Director of Sports Authority of Gujrat and Anandibai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, all collaborated to ensure support for Ankita in her endeavours.
Along with her tennis, Ankita is keeping track of her education, pursuing Bachelors in Commerce degree from BMCC in Pune. Dr. C.N. Raval, Principal of the college, supports Ankita with her academics as well as giving her freedom to continue with tennis.
Following her victory in Pune, Ankita spoke about her journey and plans for the future in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.
Excerpts:
How does it feel to win an ITF title in your own backyard?
I am very happy that I did well in Pune since I train here and I had the home support. Playing where you train, you tend to be a bit nervous. That wasn’t the case in the other matches leading to the final but I was a bit nervous towards the end of the final. The last Indian to win here was in 2001 and I badly wanted to break the streak. Thankfully I had a very good day and managed to win.
Looking back at 2014, are you happy your overall development?
I wanted to break into the top 200 when I started the year. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to achieve that. But that was mainly because I played a lot of higher ranked tournaments. Game-wise, I have improved tremendously after playing better players. My focus was to improve my game and I think it has been a fruitful year. But I can’t settle on my success, I know I have to improve and train harder in the next season.
What are your immediate goals for 2015?
I have been playing 12 weeks straight. Starting next year I need to improve my strength and conditioning. I will be playing at the National Games in Kerala as well as some WTA tournaments. I want to make sure I am stronger going to the tournaments.
What are the challenges of the ITF outside of India? Is it difficult to adapt?
Well, it depends where you travel and how much you have travelled before. I have been more to China and Uzbekistan so I’m used to it. Wherever you go, even in India, everyone needs to get used to the conditions. With more travel I will get more exposure which will definitely help my game.
You also travelled to the Asian Games in South Korea, earlier this year. How was the experience to travel and play with Sania Mirza?
Sania Mirza is big role model and motivation for me. Even at the Fed Cup and Asian Games, I got to learn a lot from just being around with her. She is fearless on court. During matches there are moments, you feel nervous; Sania does not show that. I am trying to implement that in my game.
Is there pressure of being India’s no. 1 in women’s singles?
Not really. I hope it inspires other players to push harder, that will help Indian tennis grow. Personally, I feel I handle pressure very well. After a certain point, your progress depends on your mental strength. Everyone has different techniques and styles but it all depends on how badly you want to get to the top.
You’ve also enjoyed success in doubles. Do you give a preference to either one or just take both of them together?
Both. During my transition from juniors to seniors, my performances in doubles was better. Pairing with Rushmi Chakravarthi, helped me a lot. If I lost a singles match, my spirits were still high with a doubles match to look forward to. I gained confidence through the doubles matches and that was transferred onto the singles game. For me, doubles is equally important.
Ankita has a bright future ahead of her. A star on the rise, she has managed to catch the eye of every Indian tennis fan. You can support her in her journey on her Facebook and Twitter pages.
