It’s a Saturday afternoon in a somewhat wet and foggy Pune. Vaishnavi Adkar (VA), one of India’s top junior talents, has just lost the Girl’s Singles final of the J3 event to Japan’s Sara Saito. A day prior, Vaishnavi had agreed to a post-match interview with me. She was obviously a bit upset after the loss, so I offered to conduct the interview some other time. She said, “No! Let’s do it immediately.”
We head to the Player’s Lounge and start our interview. I was surprised by how upbeat she was once we started the conversation. Here is how the interview went –
About the author –
Abhijeet Dangat is the founder of Earnest Sports Management and is a law undergrad.
Q: Tough loss today, Vaishnavi. How would you assess this week’s performance?
VA: Well, this is my third consecutive final in three weeks, and I felt pretty confident going in the final. I was feeling confident about my game. I started playing regularly after being out of action for eight months. But I was feeling great being on the court and playing matches again. I’m just very grateful for the results.
Q: You lost to Shruti [Ahlawat] last week in Delhi. But you beat her here in Pune this week. What changes did you make to your game to beat her?
VA: Last week was pretty close, so anyone could have won that match. Just one point here or there. So this week, I didn’t change anything. I just believed in myself. Believed in my game. I was confident playing her. I just went for it!
Q: As of current ITF Junior Rankings, you are ranked #4 in India. What does that mean to you? What are your ranking goals for the coming season?
VA: Well, that’s wonderful! Honestly, I had no idea about this. So it’s good to know. As far as ranking goals go, I would like to see myself in the Top 100 (of ITF Junior Rankings) by March next year. [Note: She is currently ranked #443].
Q: Okay, let’s talk about your beginnings. At what age did you start playing tennis? When did you decide to take it up seriously?
VA: I started at age 6. At first, I used to play tennis just to gain some physical fitness. I didn’t do well in the U10 category. But in U12, I won my first tournament. After that, I was okay; I can do this! So yeah, around that time.
Q: How would you describe your playing style?
VA: I just love ripping the ball! As hard as I can! I would describe my style as an aggressive player. I don’t like waiting for opportunities. I just like to play it and I just go for the balls.
Q: Who were your tennis idols growing up?
VA: Well, Novak Djokovic has always been my favourite since I was kid. I love watching him play. I appreciate his attitude on the court.
On the women’s side, Serena Williams. For her game style. I just love it! Super aggressive! That’s how it should be.
Q: Let’s talk about your coach, Mr Kedar Shah. When did he start training you? And how’s your journey with him been so far?
VA: I have been training with him since my U12 days. Since then we have progressed a lot. He has helped me throughout and even after the surgery. We did not give up at all. We were like we have to get back stronger. But we worked hard a lot. Of course his efforts and mine (have shown the results).
Q: Okay, let’s talk about your success at Rendez-vous a Roland-Garros event. How was that experience?
VA: It was amazing! The tournament in Delhi, I played against India’s best U18 players. I was the last player accepted in the draw. I did not really have any expectations. In the first round only, I had a tough match up. I was like, let’s just go on court, finish this match and go home. But surprisingly, I won that match. And then I got more confidence. Later rounds also, I had tough matches. I just did not have the pressure of performing.
Q: Unfortunately, you couldn’t go to Paris because of COVID-19. But maybe we will see you at the Junior Roland-Garros very soon. Now let’s talk about your immediate goals. Where do you see yourself professionally three to five years down the line?
VA: I will start playing the women’s circuit next year. I haven’t thought of anything beyond that.
RAPID FIRE:
| Question | Answer |
| Favorite City | Pune |
| Favorite Surface | Hard |
| Cheat Meal | Pizza & Burger |
| Favorite Tournament | US Open |
| Favorite TV Show | Brooklyn Nine-Nine |
| Favorite non-Tennis personality | Grandfather. He is the coolest |
| Message for ITD and Indian Tennis fans | Keep supporting us players |
| Most memorable tournament for you | All. I just love playing |
| Off court schedule | Eat, sleep, and Netflix |
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