Ace player Poojashree to target international circuit in 2011

However, for the 20-year-old tennis player the 2010 season was all about gaining experience playing alongside Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna.

Speaking to Deccan Herald Poojashree said that in  the previous  year she got to play for 22 weeks on the international tennis circuit.

However, training for big games such as CWG and Asiad ensured that she could play for only 14 weeks on the international circuit.Adding to her woes were the injuries that kept her off court for two months. “I hope I won’t be plagued by injuries during the next year. Fitness is a major factor and 60 per cent of the game depends on being fit,” she added.
Citing an example of how well top seeded Rafael Nadal moves on court, Poojashree said: “Once you are fit and start moving well on the court, you can get good results.”
Poojashree also mentioned that she will be honing her skills  in France next and hopes to be on the international circuit for 30 weeks.

She says this will help her improve her rankings from the current 416.

Sponsors
However, her concern is more about the lack of sponsors. Thirty weeks on the international circuit means an expenditure of ` 25 lakh, she says. “Sponsors should recognise talent and come forward to encourage them so that we can win major tournaments,” she adds.

Felicitation
Poojashree Venkatesh was felicitated by the Garden Tennis Club in the city on Saturday. She was given a cheque of `5,000 by the club.  Upcoming young players Hitesh and Rahul were also feted on the occasion. Club Secretary Venkatesh urged for support from the government so that young talent can be trained. Mayor Sandesh Swamy and Club President Dr K L Puttabuddi were present.