Tennis | A learning experience, says Ankita Raina
Player recalls exploits with Rutuja Bhosale at the Billie Jean Cup.
The health of Indian women’s tennis has often been reflective of Ankita Raina’s game, especially in the Billie Jean King Cup. It is no surprise that the 28-year-old Ankita played the best tennis of her career, in the World Group play-off tie against Latvia in Jurmala.
Chatting with Olympian Vishnu Vardhan on Instagram, Ankita, along with teammate Rutuja Bhosale, raved about the enriching experience of the ‘historic tie’.
Historic because India reached this stage of the Cup for first time ever. It was an inspiring performance by Ankita, as she tormented former World No. 5 and French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, before letting her escape to victory.
A win, very much possible as Ostapenko served to stay in the match at 4-5 in the decider, would have catapulted Indian women’s tennis to a different sphere. Ankita put things in perspective.
“During crucial points or games, they played very solid and produced the winners. That is the reason why they are, where they are,” said Ankita.
