15-yr old Maaya Revathi defeated World No. 427 🇺🇸Jessica Failla 7-6 1-6 6-4 to qualify into the WTA 125 Mumbai Open main draw.
Indian Tennis Daily had an opportunity to speak to her on the tourney so far and also with a fun rapid fire.
Interviewer: How do you review today’s match?
Maaya Revathi: Today was a pretty tough match. It went to three sets, and I was 5-1 up in the first set, but then we went into a tiebreak. I felt like I didn’t play my best, but my opponent definitely started playing much better after 1-5. The second set was 1-6 because I think I let her into the match too much. But I’m happy that I managed to win the first and third sets.
Interviewer:Â What was your game plan coming in, and what do you think were some of the key moments today?
Maaya Revathi: I didn’t have a proper game plan because I didn’t know much about my opponent. I just knew her name and had never seen her play before. So, I focused on my strengths and hoped to push through in the third set. My opponent was a solid baseliner, and my strengths really helped me today.
Interviewer:Â You were up 5-1 in the first set, and then your opponent came back. You eventually won it 7-6 (11-9) in the tiebreak. What was your mindset at 5-1, and how did you adjust as she started closing the gap?
Maaya Revathi: Honestly, I couldn’t close the gap as much as I wanted. After 1-5, she took her chances, and it worked out for her. I didn’t have any set points until I was 6-5. The level she was playing was much better after the initial mistakes. I knew the second set would be tough, and as expected, I lost it. But I’m happy I was able to win the third set.
Interviewer:Â This is your first WTA tournament. How is the level and atmosphere here different from juniors and ITF tournaments?
Maaya Revathi: This is my first WTA tournament, but I’ve been traveling for a lot of junior events. One thing I’ve noticed is that the women’s players are much more experienced. If you give them a single opportunity, they can capitalize on it. So, I’ve learned to maintain focus and intensity. I’m not 100% there yet, but I’m trying my best.
Interviewer: You’ll soon be heading to Mallorca to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy. What will your schedule be like there? Will you combine training with tournaments, or will it be a full training camp?
Maaya Revathi: I’ll be playing tournaments while training because playing matches is a crucial part of development. I’m aiming for the three Junior Slams this year, so I’ll be traveling and training simultaneously. I don’t have a complete schedule yet since I’m just joining officially this year, but I’ll know more in a month or so.
Interviewer:Â What were the key factors that led you to choose Europe for your training base? Did you consider other locations, and if so, what were the pros and cons?
Maaya Revathi: The decision was mainly made by my parents. We were already looking for a base in Europe last year, so it was a pleasant surprise to get the invitation from the Rafa Nadal Academy. We didn’t expect it, but I’m really glad they took me in.
RAPID FIRE
| Hobbies | Baking and reading |
| Favorite travel destination | Always home |
| A place you haven’t been to but would love to visit | Maldives |
| Favorite cuisine and dish | I love Italian and a bit of Korean food |
| Favorite home-cooked dish | Sambar and rice—typical South Indian |
| Your best win so far and why | On paper, it was yesterday’s win. But the best tournament win for me was the J300 in Delhi last month |
| The loss that hurt you the most and why | Every time I lose, it’s a disaster. So, nothing specific |
| Who’s the toughest opponent you’ve faced so far | I lost to Zarina Diyas last week. She was one of the toughest opponents |
| A song that’s on repeat for you right now | Nothing’s on repeat right now, but I’m a huge fan of Taylor Swift |
| Who’s your favorite player | Aryna Sabalenka |
| If you weren’t a tennis player, what would you be | I can’t even imagine a career without tennis |
| What’s the most unusual place you’ve ever played tennis | In Harare, Zimbabwe. It felt like I was the only person there |