This is an interview with Indian No. 2 Tennis player Shrivalli Bhamidipaty following her victory at the International Tennis Federation W35 event in Solapur, Maharashtra. The interview takes place in Navi Mumbai during the ITF W50 Championships. Shrivalli discusses her recent win, her mindset going into the tournament, and her experiences playing in the United States and Australia. She also answers some rapid-fire questions about her personal preferences.
Interviewer: Hello everyone. We are in Navi Mumbai for the ITF W50 Championships. Today we are very happy to be speaking with Shrivalli. Shrivalli just won the W35 in Solapur and today again won against the Solapur finalist Bunyawi in straight sets. Shrivalli, congratulations. How are you feeling?
Shrivalli: Honestly, really pumped. I’m happy that I could do what I wanted to do on court the last week and was able to finish on a high note. And walking into this tournament, I feel much more confident.
Interviewer: Thoughts on your match today? What was the game plan coming in? Like, did you get time to prepare and like, how do you prepare for someone you’ve just played like you’re gonna play her twice in a week?
Shrivalli: Honestly, I think today’s match was a much better match than the last week. Yes, there were some ups and downs in today’s match too, but I think I did a much better job than the last week in holding my nerves and playing my tennis. I think she’s a wonderful player. The last week we finished on Sunday and this tournament started on Monday, Tuesday. So the first round is on Tuesday. So we couldn’t get much rest, both of us. But honestly, at the end it boils down to who wants it more and I think I did a great job.
Interviewer: Shrivalli, your title win in Solapur last week, it came after a bit of a lean time. What was your mindset going into this tournament and what do you think clicked?
Shrivalli: Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much for myself in the tournament. I was just trying to play one match at a time and take one day at a time. And when you’re on tour, it’s tough to perform in all the tournaments and you just hope to perform in as many as you can. And I think there was a slight phase where I couldn’t do what I wanted to, but I think I came out of it pretty quick. We discussed what we had to work on and we made sure that I’m able to progress on a day-to-day basis and I think I did a good job.
Interviewer: You had dominant wins against Sahaja and Bunyawi in the semis and the finals respectively. How do you review those two matches?
Shrivalli: Honestly, I took it as any other match. But playing against one of the most promising players from India, Sahaja was a great experience. I had a lot of fun playing against her and she’s a really tough competitor to play against. I was really happy that I could play the way I played against her. And also the finals. I just went onto the court to give my best and I was happy that I could put both matches.
Interviewer: You played for the first time in the United States this year. How was your overall experience over there? What do you think of the level of tennis over there and how do you, how did you match up against that level?
Shrivalli: I think it was a good experience because honestly, the circuit was really tough and every player that you play against is going to be a good player on tour, irrespective of whether they’re ranked or unranked. And everybody is like super professional and super competitive on the tour. So I think I had a great experience. I got an opportunity to understand where I stand and what I need to work on, whether it’s physically or mentally. And I think we’ve been working ever since.
Interviewer: You played a few tournaments in Australia recently. How was your time in Australia? How do you review those tournaments?
Shrivalli: It was fun. I really like Australia. It’s one of the best places I’ve been to. The atmosphere is amazing there. Every player is treated with utmost respect there and I had so much fun. I made a lot of new good friends. I love the conditions of the court there. I feel like they suit my game there. So yeah, this tour and this year has been hectic, but I think I enjoyed it.
Interviewer: Any aspects of your game you feel you need to improve further in to make it to the next level?
Shrivalli: Well, every match is a new learning, every day is a new learning. So every day I find some of the other things. So every day I’m in constant discussion with my coaches and my mentor. So we’ll see what the future holds.
Interviewer: Shrivalli, some rapid fire questions?
Shrivalli: Sure.
Interviewer: Your favorite travel destination?
Shrivalli: Australia.
Interviewer: A place that you have not traveled yet but would like to travel next?
Shrivalli: Honestly, I love being home right now, but I’ve been wanting to visit the Padhmanabha Swamy temple for quite some time. So probably Tiruvanathapuram.
Interviewer: Your favorite cuisine?
Shrivalli: Indian.
Interviewer: Favorite home cooked food?
Shrivalli: Biryani.
Interviewer: Your hobbies?
Shrivalli: Well, for instance, troubling my dad and listening to music. I love reading books and yeah, watching movies.
Interviewer: Any book you’re currently reading?
Shrivalli: Right now I’m having a reader’s block. I think I’ve not started anything yet.
Interviewer: Your favorite tennis player all day.
Shrivalli: Novak.
Interviewer: Your favorite tournament amongst the ones you’ve played?
Shrivalli: Honestly, the freshest one. Solapur.
Interviewer: Okay. Shrivalli, thank you so much for your time. It was a pleasure speaking to you all the best.
Shrivalli: Thank you.