Winning at home and becoming No. 1 is a double treat: Saina Nehwal - Livemint

Saina Nehwal with the gold medal after winning the women’s singles final match in New Delhi. Photo: AFP

Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon did not stand a chance. Saina Nehwal had become the World No.1 badminton player a day before their final at the India Open Super Series, and her swagger on court was evident from the start. Nehwal smashed her way through Intanon, the 2013 champion, in straight sets. For Nehwal, it was homecoming: She had won the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold here at the Siri Fort complex in New Delhi, triggering a run that had seen her become the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton, win a string of Super Series titles, and reach the final of the All England Championship.

Even her former coach and mentor Pullela Gopichand , or the only other badminton player to have been World No. 1 from India—Prakash Padukone in 1980—cannot lay claim to an Olympic medal, or indeed these many top-flight titles. Yet, Nehwal had not won the India Open since it was upgraded to Super Series level in 2011. Edited excerpts from an interview after she won her maiden India Open title:

Was it different waking up this morning knowing you’re the world No. 1?

I think everyone was excited about the world No. 1 ranking yesterday, all of you, but I knew I had a final to play today. So I had to keep myself mentally prepared for that like any Super Series final.

Was there a lot of pressure on you going into the final?

Yes, I had never gone beyond the quarters here and everyone talked about it. It was a thing I needed to get off my mind, and I am very happy about it. I have played and beaten Ratchanok before, and she can be tricky.

What about the crowd? The last time there was a packed house here like this is when you won Commonwealth Games gold in 2010.

Yes, it’s great, and an encouraging sign that people are coming in big numbers to watch us. I am happy I have been able to contribute to this. When we play in China, Malaysia, Indonesia... It is always like this. And they scream out their home player’s name all the time. It makes the opponent shaky also at times.

How has your game changed over the last year?

My confidence levels and my approach have vastly improved. I am being able to play more freely against the bigger players now, which is where I was getting stuck. I have to thank Vimal sir (coach Vimal Kumar) who has worked as hard as me. He is open to suggestions and we exchange a lot of ideas and that’s really working for me.

Are you playing your best badminton?

Definitely. Better than I was before London (2012 Olympics), better than 2010. Over the years, I have been winning Super Series titles. But winning at home, and becoming No. 1. This is a double treat for me.

Speaking of treat, how do you plan to celebrate? With an ice cream?

Ice cream, milk shake also... But not too much. I wish I could relax, but I am flying off for Malaysian Open tonight.