Fresh off her sizzling quarter-final victory against Australia’s Destanee Aiava at the ITF W50 event in Portugal, India’s No. 1 tennis player, Ankita Raina, shares exclusive insights into her mental fortitude, strategic approach, and how she handles the scorching heat.

Q: Congratulations on your quarter-final win! There was a moment in the first set where you had two set points, but your opponent, Destanee Aiava, fought back. What was going through your mind at that moment?

A: Thank you! Destanee is a big server, and I knew that going into the match. In those moments, I tried to appreciate her good play and accept that such things can happen. It’s important to focus on the next point and reset.

Q: Did that mindset shift help you secure the 7-0 tiebreak win?

A: Absolutely. In the tiebreak, I reminded myself to restart and approach it point by point. It’s about maintaining a positive attitude and not dwelling on the past.

Q: In the second set, you seemed dominant. Did you feel the match shifting in your favor after winning the first set?

A: Winning the first set definitely gives you an edge, but at this level, every point matters. You can’t relax at any point, as any player can make a comeback. I had to keep working and stay focused throughout the match.

Q: The conditions were quite hot today. How do you feel playing in this kind of heat?

A: The heat in India is much more intense than here. I’ve been training in similar conditions, so it’s manageable. Of course, it’s still hot, but it’s definitely preferable to playing in 10-degree weather.

Q: Destanee is from Australia, a country known for its hot climate. Do you think she was also accustomed to the heat?

A: I’m sure she’s used to playing in similar conditions as well.

Q: You’re now in the semi-finals. Will you maintain the same point-by-point, match-by-match approach?

A: Yes, definitely. Every day is a new day, and every match is a fresh start. I’ll keep working hard and focus on one point at a time.