In a thrilling second-round match at the ITF W50 event in Portugal, Indian tennis star Ankita Raina battled past Linda Klimovicova in a three-set showdown, displaying her experience and tactical acumen under challenging conditions.

In this interview, Raina opens up about the match, her impressions of the rising talent Klimovicova, the evolution of tennis, and the passion that fuels her remarkable career.

Interviewer: Ankita, congratulations on your hard-fought victory today. It was a tough match, but you managed to pull through in the end. How does it feel?

Ankita Raina: Thank you! It feels great to get the win. It was a tricky match for sure. The conditions were hot, and it took some time to find my rhythm. I hadn’t played my opponent, Linda Klimovicova, before, so it was important to understand her game and adjust to the court.

Interviewer: Klimovicova is a young and talented player. What were your impressions of her game, and how did you manage to overcome her?

Ankita: I was impressed with her talent and power, especially during the warm-up. She’s got a big serve and strong groundstrokes. However, I noticed that the heat seemed to affect her more as the match progressed. I tried to use my experience to play tactically and capitalize on her discomfort.

Interviewer: It sounds like you read the situation well and used your experience to your advantage.

Ankita: I think that’s a big part of tennis, especially at this level. The players are so strong and fit nowadays, you have to be prepared to adapt and adjust your game plan as needed.

Interviewer: You’ve had a long and successful career, with multiple titles to your name. How has the game of tennis changed since you started playing?

Ankita: The sport has definitely evolved. The level of competition has gotten much higher, even in lower-level tournaments. The players are stronger, faster, and more well-rounded. You have to be on your toes from the very first point.

Interviewer: What keeps you motivated to continue playing and competing at this level?

Ankita: My love for the sport has only grown over the years. It’s a passion that drives me to keep improving and pushing myself. Plus, I’ve been so fortunate to travel the world and experience different cultures through tennis. I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Ankita. It’s been a pleasure talking to you. We wish you the best of luck in the rest of the tournament.

Ankita: Thank you very much!