Interview with Women's singles No.1 Rishika Sunkara: I want to reach the top 250 this year

One of the best young talents to have emerged since Sania Mirza, Delhi girl Rishika Sunkara has been steadily rising up the rankings for quite some time. Last Monday, the dedication and perseverance of this affable 19-year-old were rewarded as she became the No. 1 women’s singles player in the country. With her current career-best world ranking of 476, she is determined to do far better as she reveals in her chat with Sportskeeda.

Congratulations, Rishika, on becoming the No. 1 women’s singles player in India. How does it feel to be the country’s top-ranked player?

Thanks a lot. It definitely feels great as that was one of my goals since I was a kid. It’s a confidence booster and it will motivate me to work harder.

You have been a part of the winning Accurate Aces team in the first ever Maharashtra Tennis League (MTL). How important do you think such a league is, in terms of giving a platform to the talent in the country?

MTL is a different format and it is something very unique. I feel proud to be a part of a winning team and Accurate Aces is now like a family. This format will attract a lot of kids to the sport and create passion among them.

There’s been talks that Mahesh Bhupathi will be launching the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) which will involve some of the best players from the past and the present. What are your views on the IPTL popularising the sport of tennis?

IPTL will take tennis to a whole new level in terms of popularity. I hope it becomes as big as it promises to be.

The Fed Cup results unfortunately didn’t go India’s way. But being a part of the Fed Cup team for the first time must have been a huge learning experience for you?

I believe I gained a lot of confidence just being part of the team. It is a totally different experience while you are playing for the country. Winning and losing is a part of the game but I feel it is always going to get better.

Do you think the team missed the services of Sania Mirza badly?

No doubt Sania is a great singles and doubles player and has won many matches for India in the Fed Cup. Having her in the team would have definitely given us a huge support.

Recently the Indian Tennis Players’ Association (ITPA) was launched to help the Indian players have a voice. What are your views on it?

I am happy that the players now have some representation and that we have someone to voice out to. I hope this association is here to make a difference and respect the players truly.

You have made the quarter-finals and semi-finals in your last two ITF tournaments. Are you satisfied with your progress this year?Well, it could have always been better but no excuses. I am sure my progress is going to get better as the year progresses.

You have had training stints from the prestigious Mouratoglou Tennis Academy previously. Any plans for attending the academy this year as well?

For now I have no such plans.

What are your goals for the year?My goal for the year would be to reach top 250.

What are your next tournaments?My next tournaments would be in the month of May. I am not yet sure about which ones I would play.

Will you be watching the popular Indian Premier League (IPL) this year? Which team will you be supporting?

I am not such a cricket fan but I would still follow it. I support Delhi Daredevils.