It was a breakthrough performance by Ankita Raina who clinched the women’s tennis bronze behind two of the top Chinese players, Shuai Zhang and Wang Qiang, in the Asian Games in Palembang.
The 25-year-old Ankita had given a good account of her game in the Fed Cup and has been playing well on the professional circuit, winning titles in singles and doubles. Thus, it was no surprise that she delivered an unexpected medal.
Captain and coach of the Indian women’s team, Ankita Bhambri was understandably delighted to see a fleet-footed Ankita Raina quell the challenge from players who had beaten her in the past.
“Beatrice Gumulya had beaten Ankita in the quarterfinals of the Asian Indoor Games. Eri Hozumi had beaten Ankita in the last Asian Games. Ankita was able to beat them both comfortably this time.
“She is very confident, and getting better with every match. She enjoyed playing on these courts, even though the conditions were quite challenging, especially because it was very hot and humid,” recalled Bhambri.
Bhambri further said, “Ankita was able to move so well and get that extra ball back, which put pressure on her opponents.
“Even in the semifinal against the top seed Shuai Zhang, Ankita played a very good match, and had set-point at 5-4 in the second set. Those players know how to get out of tough situations and thus with her experience the Chinese won.”
Incidentally, Bhambri was the captain of the team in the Asian Indoor Games as well as the Fed Cup. She could see the difference in the level that Raina had reached in the past few months.
Bhambri was also all praise for Rohan Bopanna for playing so well in the mixed doubles with Raina, and pulling the team out of trouble in the initial rounds.
When queried about doubles specialist Prarthana Thombare not getting to play the mixed doubles, Bhambri said the players had gauged the combination during training, and the top-ranked players obviously had a say in deciding whom they wanted to partner.
Bhambri appreciated the commendable performance of Rutuja Bhosale and Y. Pranjala who put a tough fight against a very strong team in women’s doubles.
“Rutuja and Pranjala played very well. They were unlucky to meet such a strong Thai team early,” Bhambri said.
