What’s the story?
Ahead of the India Open Superseries that begins on Tuesday, the top seed Carolina Marin has warned that she is very much looking forward to reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking. In a chat with NDTV in New Delhi, the Olympic champion, who has now slipped to fourth, said she is enjoying playing again after a bout of injuries and is aiming for the pinnacle once more.
On being quizzed further if she thinks Saina Nehwal, who too has returned from a knee surgery, can get back to the top, the Spaniard made it clear that she would not allow competition from anyone else.
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"I would like to be the World No.1. So, I don't think I am going to allow it", the southpaw said with a smile, adding, "But there are some top players in the top 10. I think we are all at the same level. Let's see who is going to fight for the next tournaments."
In case you didn't know...
The left-hander had to deal with a few injuries after her Olympic win and could not reach the same high level. She failed to win a title in her next six tournaments which eventually led to her fall in the rankings.
The heart of the matter
The 23-year-old talked about difficult a time she had to endure because of the persistent injuries. In trying to give her body a chance to recover 100%, she could not play all the tournaments she wanted to or play at the level she was expected to perform at.
Marin also spoke of her friendship with the player she beat for the Olympic gold – India’s PV Sindhu. Even though she shares a healthy relationship with the 21-year-old, the two-time world champion was careful to add that whenever she steps inside the court, everyone is an opponent for her.
What's next?
The main draw of the India Open Superseries kicks off on Wednesday. The top-seeded Marin starts her campaign against the World No. 41 Kim Hyo Min of Korea. India's two shuttle queens - Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu - are in the other half of the draw and cannot meet Marin before the final.
Author's take
There's no doubt about Marin's fighting spirit and competitiveness. As much as she becomes a threat to other players when she is injury-free, she makes it a treat for badminton lovers with the outstanding quality she manages to produce. Let us hope the India Open gets a chance to watch some sterling stuff from the Olympic champion.
