(Gwalior): Ankita Raina wins her first singles title in 2018 by defeating second seed Amandine Hesse in straight sets in the final of the USD 25,000 ITF women’s event, here today. This is her first singles title in three years. The fourth seed Raina, got the better of Frenchwoman 6-2 7-5 in the title clash which lasted one hour and 25 minutes.
You may like| Why Indian tennis players are more successful at doubles rather than singles.
The last time Ankita won a singles title was way back in December 2014, when she had succeeded in the ITF Pune event.It was overall sixth singles career title for Ankita, who has lost nine other finals in the last six years. In the doubles, the 25-year-old has won 12 titles.
Ankita said that she has got matured not only as a player but also as a person and it was helping her in stiff matches.
“Getting mentally strong and becoming mature as a player and as a person, it has come together. It helps. You can handle situations well. You don’t get emotional. Situations are not going to be favourable always. I can think now during the matches. The maturity, required to pull off matches, is there,” Ankita told PTI.
Asked to comment on her long title drought, the gritty player, who remained unbeaten in singles in India’s campaign at the recent Fed Cup, said it has more to do with improved level of competition on the circuit.
“I have been asked this before also why I have not won title or why the ranking has not improved. The level has gone up. Even the players, who are ranked 600 play very good. It all depends on how you play on that particular day and the conditions.”
Asked if she was relived to end the barre run, India’s no. 1 women singles player said,”Why I would be relieved. I am happy about it.”
Ankita will now travel to Japan to compete on the circuit.
