India No.2 got a chance to participate in the qualifying event of the well-known ATP 500 Mubadala Citi DC Open, earlier known as the Citi Open. Sasikumar lost to American wildcard Bruno Kuzuhara in straight sets before taking time out to speak with ITD about the match:
Q) Thoughts on the match today
MS – I never normally feel good after a training week. I think my body takes a bit longer to adapt than the others. I felt very bad and uncoordinated, and didn’t feel in the match groove at all today. But I’ve seen such things in Tennis before, I mean that’s the job. It’s part and parcel of the process. As I play more weeks and more matches again, I will get into the groove again.
Maybe could have played with a little less expectations maybe. Could have tried to ease out the nerves a bit more before coming onto the court. I didn’t handle the situation and conditions well. It was really bouncy and I didn’t adapt to it quickly. When you are feeling nervy, your body gets tired faster. That’s natural. It’s very hot conditions, so it is even more important to keep your mind calm.
Q) You also called for the physio mid-match. All good?
MS – Like I said, I was not feeling good with the body so much.
Q) Where do you go next from here?
MS – The plan is to play the Challengers in Cary and Winnipeg. Then I don’t know to be honest. I want to play in China but don’t know what the situation with the visa is. We’ll see.
