HYDERABAD: PV Sindhu is naturally disappointed after narrowly missing a great opportunity to become the world champion. On Sunday, the slow court conditions in Glasgow did not allow Sindhu to play her naturally aggressive game. Initially, she tried hitting hard but with the shuttle travelling slowly, her opponent Nozomi Okuhara found enough time to return everything. Sindhu was forced to play the long rally game and though she gave it her all, luck was not on her side. The 22-year- old told TOI that she will return stronger after this experience.
Excerpts from an interview with the world championship silver medallist.
It was an epic final. Can you sum up how that 110-minute match ended?
It was anybody game. It a bit upsetting. From the first game, every point was important for both of us. Whether I was ahead or her, it was never over from both sides. There were long rallies and we were not leaving any shuttles. But when it came to the third game, it was 20-all. I have no words. It been really upsetting because anybody would aim for gold. That last moment changed everything. I happy with silver but that feeling of losing gold is always there.
You beat Nozomi Okuhara easily at the Rio Olympics. What is your impression of her now?
Well, she was never easy. Every time we play, the rallies are tough and we never left any shuttle behind. I never took her lightly. I was prepared for a very long match. Unfortunately, it was not my day.
Can you talk about the longest 73-shot rally at 21-20 in the second game?
I don’t feel that was a big rally. Every rally was equally long and they were too many shots from both sides. She was tired, I was tired but were still playing. It was a good match.
Okuhara is a world-class player, but did you expect her to last since she’s coming back from a long injury layoff?
I know that Japanese are always physically stronger. I was prepared for those long tosses and slow drops. Even though I was down in the third set at 1-5, I came back. After the 11th point I expected it to be much longer. Talking about world-class player, no player is easy to play at this level. Each player has a different style of play. It all depends on who is good on that particular day.
You reached the biggest final last year at the Olympics. How do you feel about your career at this stage?
Bureau Report
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