Karman Thandi has risen to World No. 217 in the rankings after the title win in Saguenay, Canada. ITD Toronto member Priyan Raj caught up with the new Indian No. 1 for her thoughts on the run so far
Thoughts on the win against Liang En-shuo in Toronto. You had lost to the same opponent 2 weeks back. What was your game plan coming in today, given your previous loss to her?
Every day is a new day in Tennis. I came with a mindset of not making the same mistakes which I made when I had the chances 2 weeks back. It was pretty close although the score line looked like there was a difference, but what me and the team we discussed was it was only about 2-3 points here and there which could have changed the match. This time I was ready to not make the same mistakes again. I played much better with the mindset, and it worked.
Thoughts on the big win last week in Saguenay?
I am very happy about last week. We just took it match by match. I gave it my all and I was confident that the way I was playing was good. I backed my strengths which paid off pretty well.
In the final – you were a set and a break down – how do view that comeback win? What was going through your mind when you were down?
Match is not over until it is over. Attitude and body language changed completely. What went through my mind was I wanted and, just try and step in every point. Things changed after a couple of points, 1 break here and there. And it was a completely different thing.
You are also the Indian No. 1 now and have almost sealed the Grand Slam qualies spot – how do you review it?
The goal I set for myself is Top-220 for this year which gives me a spot in the Grand Slam qualifiers. I am happy with it, but there is more opportunity in the year to get better.
You had Christopher Marquis traveling with you for these two weeks. Can you talk about his influence?
It’s been great with Chris being around with his experience. It’s been a great company and team work. We can see the results in everything, he understands my game and me pretty well.
Canada has a huge Punjabi community. Is Canada like a second home for you?
Canada has a huge Punjabi community. All of my family is here. It is definitely a second home for me. My naana, naani, uncle and aunts, everybody is living here, it’s just us living in India. It’s a special place, particularly Toronto. Indians all over the world, wherever I go I see Indians around the world. That’s a great feeling. Thanks to my coaches for getting a team around me and what they have done for me this year. Hopefully I can make an impact on Indian tennis and keep it going from here.
Photos from ITF $60K Toronto – R1 win
