15-year old Maaya Revathi caught the attention of the nation and world tennis with her run to the semis of the WTA L&T Mumbai Open. Maaya took time to speak to the press after her run.
The transcript from that conversation is below.
Interviewer: Maaya, thanks for taking the time to chat after your semifinal match. It clearly wasn’t the result you were hoping for. Can you talk about your experience out there today?
Maaya Revathi: It was tougher than I expected. I was up against a very experienced player, and I felt I didn’t play the way I wanted to. I was also physically tired. It was a long day, and my legs just gave out on me. I really rely on my legs, so that was a major factor in the loss, and I’m not happy about it.
Interviewer: Looking back on the week as a whole, getting a wildcard and making it to the semifinals, how do you sum it up?
Maaya Revathi: It was a good week overall. I can take away a lot of positives. Today wasn’t ideal, but I’m not going home with a negative mindset.
Interviewer: What are some of those positives you’re taking away?
Maaya Revathi: I’m happy with my ability to compete at this level. Physically, I can keep up, but I need to get used to playing longer weeks. That’s something I learned. My ranking also improved, which is great. I’m sure I’ll see a big difference when I go back and compete with the juniors.
Interviewer: You mentioned your opponent’s heavy hitting, especially her lefty forehand to your backhand. How was that experience?
Maaya Revathi: Playing a lefty is always tricky. Her forehand was so heavy, not flat at all, and it was bouncing over my head. I struggled with those shots. I knew she hit heavy, but I didn’t expect to struggle as much as I did.
Interviewer: She also incorporated a lot of net play.
Maaya Revathi: Yes, she was experimenting and coming to the net. She’s a very good doubles player, so I knew she was experienced at that. I did have opportunities to pass in the second set, chances to win games, but I just couldn’t convert them.
Interviewer: You were playing Jill [name], a former world number 21. She’s a big player, and this was likely your first time playing someone with that kind of firepower. What’s the biggest learning experience you’re taking away from this match?
Maaya Revathi: Definitely the level of play. I need to work on dealing with that kind of power. As I improve, I’ll be playing more players like her. Not just former top 21, but even top 100, top 150 players. I need to get used to it. Playing more matches against players like her will give me the experience I need.
Interviewer: This was the first set you lost all week. Did the scoreboard pressure play a factor?
Maaya Revathi: Not really. Losing the first set isn’t new to me. I’ve come back to win plenty of times. I expected a tough match. I didn’t go in thinking it would be easy. I actually started very badly, down quickly in several games. I gave away four easy games, and against an experienced player, that’s it, you’re going to lose the set.
Interviewer: You have a bright future ahead of you. What are your dreams and ambitions?
Maaya Revathi: My short-term goal is to make the top 10 in juniors by the end of the year. I want to transition to the pros a bit earlier than planned. This tournament, and how well I did, has boosted my ranking. So, by the time I finish my training, I hope to be ready.
Interviewer: Who do you look up to in tennis?
Maaya Revathi: Aryna Sabalenka. I love her tough mindset. She’s so aggressive, and I want to learn that from her.
Interviewer: Are you eager to check your new ranking?
Maaya Revathi: I never really check the rankings. Sometimes I see something on WhatsApp, but that’s about it. I follow the junior rankings a little more closely. This week, I sometimes asked my mom. She has live updates every minute!
Interviewer: How do you balance school and tennis?
Maaya Revathi: I haven’t been in a traditional school environment because I’ve been traveling so much. I’ve been doing online schooling for the past few years, but I’ll be starting school in Spain next month.
Interviewer: What are your immediate plans after this?
Maaya Revathi: I’ll head back to Spain next week and play a few tournaments to prepare for the junior slams.
Interviewer: You’ll be based in Spain for a while then?
Maaya Revathi: Yes, for quite a long time. My program there is starting soon, officially, but I’ve already been there for two months.
Interviewer: Did you get a chance to meet Nadal while you were there?
Maaya Revathi: I did see him preparing for the Davis Cup. We exchanged a word, but no real conversation.
Interviewer: Maaya, there was a packed house today, the biggest crowd of the week. When you were down in the first set, the crowd was really trying to rally you back. Did you feel any pressure to perform for them?
Maaya Revathi: Of course, there’s always that pressure. But I knew that if I focused on the pressure, it wouldn’t help. I just tried to concentrate on what I needed to do. I couldn’t play my best, but I tried my hardest.
Interviewer: You got a standing ovation at the end. How did that feel?
Maaya Revathi: It was really nice. I’m happy people understood what was happening and were so supportive all week. I saw many of the same faces cheering me on every day. I’m really grateful for that. Hopefully, I’ll get to play in front of an Indian crowd again soon, maybe next year.
Interviewer: You’re only 15, and I saw a lot of kids coming up for autographs and advice. What’s that like?
Maaya Revathi: I feel old, actually! It’s nice that kids are coming to watch, but it makes me feel like I’ve been around for a while. Especially when they tell me they’re playing the under-12 nationals. I won that three years ago!
Interviewer: Thanks, Maaya. Best of luck in your upcoming tournaments.