Karman Kaur Thandi

[prasen9]

Why would I not play a $60k ITF while traveling less, and instead play two $25k ITFs if I am getting back to decent form?

[Atithee]

Because most play higher than their ranking at home?

[Dinesh]

Why would I not play a $60k ITF while traveling less, and instead play two $25k ITFs if I am getting back to decent form?

I should have clarified what MDO entry means, she opted to play the $60K only if she makes it to the direct MD acceptance list. So, if she doesn’t, she ends up not playing a tournament that week (while she could have played a rather easier W25 at home). The same week has another 60K in the States, so I’m expecting the cutoff to be low for this Jhajjar series.

[prasen9]

Because most play higher than their ranking at home?

Thanks for the explanation Dinesh. Why MDO? As in, I can understand she may not want to travel that much, etc. So, why not at least play the qualies if you are not in? Hmm.

[sameerph]

First of all I feel Karman is still not playing at a level where she can win matches at 60K level in Europe. .

Apart from our players being able to play at a ranking higher at home, the fields in tournaments in India is usually much easier than tournaments in Europe. So, winning in 25K at home is way easier than at 60K in Europe.

Also about not having to use her PR ( getting a wild card) is another reason. She can then use her PR when she is playing at a level where she can use it better.

[suresh]

Isn't Karman training in Germany?

[sameerph]

Isn't Karman training in Germany?

Yes, she is based there as of now. But, can always come back to India for 2 weeks of tournaments. But, there could be some restrictions of quarentining while entering India before playing or maybe some restrictions of quarentine after going back to Europe. I am not sure.

[Dinesh]

I did not see Riya Bhatia quarantining after she came from South Africa. AITA posted her training videos on their Instagram.

[suresh]

An interview with Karman (From Sports Keeda)

[sameerph]

As I explained in French open thread, Karman did not enter French open qualies with her PR due to restrictions in using PR only for 2 slams.

But, she is entered in W25 in Prague next week with her PR. Same venue where Sumit will be playing in a mens challenger. So, we will open one thread to disucss both men and women tournament at same venue.

[sameerph]

At ITF W25 Prague, Czech Republic (Clay)

[R1] Karman Kaur Thandi (IND,618) vs. (Q) Johana Markova (CZE,392)

[sameerph]

And Karman started with a good win over local player.

At ITF W25 Prague, Czech Republic (Clay)

[R1] Karman Kaur Thandi (IND,618) d. (Q) Johana Markova (CZE,392) 75 67(6) 63

Karman had 3 matchpoints at 6-3 in second set tiebreak but lost 5 straight points there. Thankfully, she came back won the third set convincingly. Her second round opponent will be decided tomorrow ( between 5th seed Cagla Buyukakcay and 15 year old local wind card Nikola Bartunkova).

[Dinesh]

Karman and her partner Mariam played their doubles first round today and retired from the match while trailing 0-6 1-4. Her partner played a 3 set match few hours ago and I hope this is a result of exhaustion and not injury (especially for KKT).

[sameerph]

Yes, hope there is no injury to Karman. She has a tough match coming up tomorrow-

At ITF W25 Prague, Czech Republic (Clay)

[R2] Karman Kaur Thandi (IND,618) vs. (5) Cagla Buyukakcay (TUR,177)

[Dinesh]

She lost 5&1.