India No. 1 women’s tennis player Sania Mirza has been replaced by Ankita Raina to represent the country at the Fed Cup. Prerna Bhambri was another player who was tipped to be the replacement for injured Saina but it was Ankita who grabbed the elite opportunity.
Tennis fans rarely get to hear that a tennis player from Gujarat make it to the headlines, but Ankita is all set to change that situation. The gritty Gujarat girl is now confident of her play after she was chosen as the replacement the injured Sania Mirza in the Indian team for the prestigious Fed Cup.
Interestingly, Ankita is the first player from Gujarat to represent India in this reputed tournament. Upon getting selected, Ankita says, "I am not nervous but raring to go! I am very happy and hopefully, I will get to play a few games and do my country proud. I have worked very hard and know that this is just the beginning. I want to win an Olympic medal for India and also win major tournaments like the French Open and the Australian Open in the long run."
Ankita, who was born and brought up in Ahmedabad, moved to Pune a few years back for premium facilities. She maintains, "I have spent about 15 years of my life in Ahmedabad and I miss everything about the city. My journey as a tennis player began here and I will always be indebted to Ahmedabad. Besides, I am a big foodie and miss Gujarati food."
Speaking about how she got attracted to tennis, Ankita replies, "My mother was good at athletics and table tennis and encouraged us to take part in sporting activities. My elder brother used to play tennis and I also joined the same."
Regarding the challenges she has faced, Ankita mentions, "Tennis is a very expensive sport and it's not easy for someone like me, who hails from a middle-class family, to pursue it. I feel games other than cricket need to be promoted at schools to create more awareness and also, we need better infrastructure and sponsorship. Recently, I played in the Maharashtra Tennis League (an IPL style tournament), which offered good money and gave us the opportunity to play in front of huge crowds. Such initiatives really boost the morale of youngsters."
She includes, "I have been travelling alone for tournaments ever since I was 15 and while it isn't easy, the experience has made me very mature and responsible at a young age. I have also become very tough mentally."
Ankita, who is studying her BCom (first year), says, "I am indebted to my parents for their support. I have had difficulties in balancing tennis and studies, but my family's support has made it easier."
Finally, talking about her role models, she informs, "In tennis, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams are my favorites. I am also a huge movie buff and never miss an Akshay Kumar film. He is not just my favorite actor, but his life story really inspires me."
