Saina hopes to make a turnaround

After a emphatic start to her season, which saw her claim the top spot on the BWF Ranking charts, Saina Nehwal has endured a mid-season hiccup, losing in the quarterfinals of two Super Series events in the past few months.

But the Indian ace believes that it is just a matter of time before the tide turns in her favour. “It happens. Finally it is a tournament. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win,” said Saina on the sidelines of a promotional event here on Sunday.

The 25-year-old, in her pervious two tournaments — the Star Australian Open and the Indonesia Super Series Premier — was knocked out in the last-16, bowing out to China’s Wang Shixian on both occasions. The Indian threw some light on her fierce rivalry with the Chinese.

“We have played a lot in the past. Both of us know each other's games well. So it's not easy for both of us. Wang (Shixian) and I have always been very close rivals. We've been playing some very good and long matches. One person might be ahead 7-6 in terms of head-to-head, but it's okay. It's always a tough match. Last time I played her I had played too many tournaments; it was quite congested. Now I'm getting a break of 6-7 weeks before the World Championships (in August in Indonesia). I hope I get back to my best,” said the Hyderabadi.

With her maiden Indian Open Super Series title, a final appearance at the prestigious All England Open and the World number one ranking, the shuttler has enjoyed a fruitful 2015. “It is been a good season so far, very intense. I am very happy with the way I am playing. I would like to thank my coach, Vimal Kumar, who has helped me improve as a player. It is never easy to be at the top. You face some difficult situations and you are expected to deliver in such scenarios. And I hope to give my best,” she said.

“Yes, it was great feeling (to be the world number one). That’s what every professional athlete aims for in her career. But, I know it’s not easy for anyone to be at the top for long. It is a matter of time, also a matter of results. You have to keep winning. And at the international level, it is not easy to maintain it,” added the Indian ace who was ranked number in after her win at the Indian Open early this year.

Rio Olympics is another platform where Saina is expected to do well. “I think it is a long time away. I do not want to say anything now. I know that it is going to be a very big year. I already have a bronze medal so people will be expecting more. And I am working towards it,” she said.