The 16 yr old American came up with the best performance of her burgeoning career with a run to the finals of the ITF Juniors J300 in Barranquilla. Ishika also made the doubles semis with her Jamaican partner Alyssa James.

This run will ensure Ishika breaks into the top-100 of the World ITF Junior Rankings.

Young Ishika is the daughter of the former Indian No. 1 and Fed Cup star Rachna Ashar. Ishika`s sister Anushka plays US College Tennis.

Brief snapshot of the singles results below:

R1: Ishika Ashar (USA, 149) d. Maria Isabel Suarez (COL, 582) 6-3 6-2
R2: Ishika Ashar (USA, 149) d. Giulia Safina Popa (ROU, 78) 6-2 3-6 6-1
QF: Ishika Ashar (USA, 149) d. Capucine Jauffret (USA, 51) 6-1 7-6
SF: Ishika Ashar (USA, 149) d. Leena Friedman (USA, 75) 6-2 6-1
F: Ishika Ashar (USA, 149) l. Julieta Pareja (USA, 63) 4-6 4-6

Excerpts from the brief interview with Ishika after the semis by the tourney team:

Thoughts on the semis win over Leena Friedman (USA, 75) 6-2 6-1

I think this was my best match. Overall. I was able to start off very strong both sets. I was serving well, and I think I was able to use my forehand to step inside the court, and that got me the win.

On the playing conditions
The heat was a lot, but I was able to take it and I was feeling really good today and I’m ready for the final.

On her level during the tourney so far
My first round was definitely tough, but I think so far this (semis) has been my best round. I’m getting more used to the courts and the heat, and I feel pretty comfortable in these conditions.

On the heat so far
I’m from Florida, so I’m used to the heat, but definitely it’s very hot and the ice bags were helping, but I think it’s definitely hard, but I got through it and I think I can get through it in the final.

On the run to the finals
I’m really happy that I’m in the final, especially as I’m not seeded, so that’s big. I’m just going to try my best in the final play how I’ve been playing and just like, I really want to win this thing, so let’s hope to win it.