Fernando Rivas faces another challenge from his most famous trainee — three-time World and reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin. For, the champion shuttler from Spain has said she is gunning for two more World titles and another Olympic gold.
“Yes, it is a matter of pride to be her coach. I don’t think it is impossible for her to realise the new goals. We will have to work out our plan accordingly and one knows it is not going to be easy, given the kind of competition and changing styles of the players she will be up against,” says Rivas in a chat with The Hindu .
Rivas, the personal coach of Marin playing for Pune7Aces this PBL season, says the women’s singles scenario has changed a lot since Marin had won her maiden World title.
Adaptation
“It is imperative for any player, and more so for Marin with renewed goals, to adapt to the new ways of attacking game and making the kind of adjustments to get the better of the opponents,” he says.
“Well, if you ask me to pinpoint the salient features which really impress me about the top players it will be like this — Tai Tzu for her deception of strokes, Sindhu for her attacking game, Saina for her consistency and Okuhara for being a ‘runner’ on the court.”
“Yes, I do feel that Marin is the combination of all these traits or else she would have not have so many titles,” adds the Spanish coach.
“China always produces quality players because of the high level and very knowledgeable coaches. But, I am not surprised at the way the others have started dominating the world badminton scene now. That is why the Chinese monopoly no longer exists. The fans want someone else to be a World or an Olympic champion now, may be,” explains Rivas.
Beneficial to Indians
On the PBL, Rivas feels that it is more beneficial for the Indian players.
“They play against higher-ranked players and tend to improve which in turn helps Indian badminton more.”
“In terms of competition this [PBL] edition remains the same. We hope it is only a question of time before Pune7Aces gets into the winning act.
“We are capable of doing that,” remarks Rivas while signing off.
