A conversation after their doubles quarterfinal win at ITF W100 Cary, USA
Fresh off a quarterfinal win in the doubles draw at the ITF W100 Cary, Ankita Raina and her Japanese partner Hiroko Kuwata sat down for a quick chat, covering the sweltering North Carolina conditions, the exciting next generation coming through in India and Japan, and more.
Interviewer: Congrats on your win today. It was an amazing match. How do you like this tournament so far?
Ankita: It’s my first time here and I like it. I prefer hard courts. The weather is challenging, but still, coming from India, I’m fine with this weather. I prefer hot weather.
Hiroko: It’s the same for me. It is so hot outside. Tough conditions, but we will try to do our best.
Interviewer: How do you handle it? What do you do extra to manage?
Ankita: Coming from India and Asian countries in general, we are sort of used to it. We train in these conditions. We try to hydrate more, more electrolytes. We make sure we are keeping track of it.
Interviewer: What are your thoughts on the next generation coming up from India, players like Maaya, Jensi, and others?
Ankita: It is amazing to see the junior girls doing so well. They have so much potential. I have played the same tournaments as some of them. Maaya did well at the WTA Mumbai last year, getting a wildcard and making the most of that opportunity. It is great that things are coming together and they are getting the right support at the right time. And even for Jensi, it feels special because she is from Gujarat. I am also from Gujarat, from Ahmedabad. Coming from the background she comes from, it just swells my heart up. After all, they are playing for India and doing well on the international stage.
Interviewer: What about Japan? Is there a young generation coming up, following in the footsteps of Kei Nishikori?
Hiroko: There is one men’s player winning at Wimbledon right now. He is still young. And there is one women’s player still competing in singles. She is very young and coming through.
Interviewer: What is one thing you appreciate about the Cary Tennis Classic?
Ankita: I would say it is a well-organised event. The conditions are tough, but everyone is doing their best to make the players feel welcome and comfortable. It takes a whole team and a lot of effort to conduct an event like this, and I believe they have been running it for a few years now. Great job to Cary Tennis for continuing this.
Interviewer: One fun question to end. What is one thing you carry in your tennis bag that nobody would guess?
Ankita: For this week, a small fan. I did not even realise I was carrying it until now.
Hiroko: So many sunscreens, sprays, it’s important. You definitely need them this week.