Indian No. 1 Ankita Raina spoke to the tourney after her R1 win against Lara Pfeifer at the ITF W50 event in Portugal.

Interviewer: Ankita, welcome back for another tournament. Do you usually do a mental reset when you come to a new tournament, even if it’s the same place?

Ankita Raina: I try to approach each match as a fresh start. It’s a new day, a new opponent, and I need to bring my best every time. However, having played matches here last week definitely helps maintain the rhythm.

Interviewer: Speaking of opponents, you said you hadn’t played Lara Pfeifer before. Do you study your opponents during the warm-up to gain any insights for the match?

Ankita Raina: Warm-ups are short, so it’s more about getting a feel for the court and my own rhythm. I usually assess the opponent’s game during the initial few games of the match.

Interviewer: Now that you’ve won your first-round match, do you have any specific goals for this tournament?

Ankita Raina: Every player aims to win the tournament, but I focus on taking it one match at a time. I see each match as an opportunity to gain experience, improve, and become a better player.

Interviewer: You’ve been in tennis for a long time. Do you have any routines that you’ve maintained throughout your career?

Ankita Raina: Yes, I’m someone who thrives on routine. While some routines may have evolved over the years, I believe having a structure helps, especially during crucial moments in a match.

Interviewer: You’ve been in Montemor-o-Novo for almost two weeks now. Have you had a chance to explore the area or do you mainly stick to your usual routine?

Ankita Raina: I’ve learned a few different routes to the club thanks to the drivers! It’s a small, quiet town, which is a nice change of pace from the usual crowded airports and bigger cities we often experience on tour. I appreciate the peacefulness here.

Interviewer: Thank you for your time, Ankita, and best of luck in the tournament!

Ankita Raina: Thank you!