Sonal gets direct entry into Australian juniors

While Radhika is ranked No 1 in India, Sonal has the higher International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior ranking. The Sydenham College student had a good half-year in the ITF juniors circuit, that saw her ranking rise from the 160s to 71 (December 13). Sonal reckons she ranks in the mid-50s now, after her win and runner-up finish at Kenya and Tanzania in the South-Central Africa sector last month.

In Nairobi, Sonalwas the toast of the media for another reason: She won the doubles title partnering Nida Waseem of Pakistan. Local reporters were not going to miss out on such a story opportunity, and papers carried their picture with captions reading, “There are no frontier in sports.”

Sonal is likely to pair up with Nida in Melbourne too, and the possibility of some mention in the Australian media looms large.

But Sonal would like to hit the headlines in more meaningful ways. “I hope I can win a couple of rounds,” she told The Indian Express at her residence on Thursday. The slim girl says her second serve has improved a bit, though she still needs to work on her physique.

Another thing she will need to work on, while in Melbourne, is her academics. On her return, she will appear for the state board Higher Secondary (XII) examination, from February 22. “I will be packing a few books along,” she said.

Also packed will be a new set of racquets and clothes, provided by sponsors Yonex and Prolinerespectively. She said, “Besides the sponsors, I’m grateful to the Maharashtra state body (MSLTA) for having backed me all the way.”

Sonal hopes to play all the four Grand Slams this year, and, to ensure that, a few ITF tournaments to achieve a top-50 ranking.

SONAL’S ITF PERFORMANCE SINCE JULY