"I really, really want to play the US Open this year."
"I am banking on the three tournaments, beginning from June, to do well, get into the 230-240 bracket to be in contention for the qualifiers. Luckily, I am not defending any points those weeks, so a good result should push me higher up."
"The level of tennis has increased tremendously in the last two-three years. You can't take anything for granted. You can beat a top 100-ranked player as well as lose to someone who's ranked 700."
"I think everyone is that one breakthrough away. Of course, all the credit goes to Sania -- reaching the third round at her first Grand Slam is a great performance. And she has been able to keep that level up, stay in the top -40 for some time."
Isha needs to play more regularly. In particular, she should travel abroad and then the results will come. I have been kind of disappointed that she has not moved up the rankings -- she has the game and is a lefty to boot. I see something similar happening with the Bhambri sisters who seem to playing abroad more often these days.
Of course, all the credit goes to Sania -- reaching the third round at her first Grand Slam is a great performance. And she has been able to keep that level up, stay in the top -40 for some time.
Amidst a lot of jealousy from many Indian girls, it is refreshing to see some positive remarks from Isha. It speaks volumes about her attitude and immediately made me like her more than ever before. Come on, Isha...you can emulate Sania to reach greater heights!
Having played in India until Saturday, and rushed to Turkey without sufficient time, Isha lost in R1 of singles at the Turkey Challenger, albeit to a seeded player:
Anna GERASIMOU (GRE) (6) defeated Isha LAKHANI (IND) 7-6(6) 7-6(3)
I hope Isha is planning to play more tournaments in Turkey or other countries in that region. Her singles scoreline shows she was competitive despite jet-lag, and clearly belongs in this company. A sustained overseas trip is essential for the results to start coming through. Keep at it, Isha!!
Isha should keep playing abroad without worrying about the results! She appears randomly like a comet for a week (or two at best) and disappears. She should subscribe to Jay's "no-think" approach.
Yes, she needs a sustained run of 3-4 weeks in one country/region in order to start showing results. She should also get to tournament locations several days early to minimize jet lag. The transition to the Challenger level (especially outside India) is always tough for tennis pros, and we should laud Isha for making the attempt seriously now (although we would have loved to see her do it 2-3 years ago!).
