When you are forced to be away from the game, and you come back to feel that stadium vibe, it’s an emotional whirl: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy

Why were you emotional today even before stepping on court?

It usually doesn’t happen that I have tears in my eyes. Goosebumps yes, but never tears. Today though, I felt really emotional when the crowd was chanting ‘India, India’. It’s been a while since we played a final. Also, coming back from injury has been tough this time. When you are forced to be away from the game, and you come back to feel that stadium vibe, it’s an emotional whirl. I wanted to dance in the end, but I just felt emotional and couldn’t complete the step.

Why was the injury tough?

It wasn’t easy. The team played the Asian Mixed Team event in Dubai, and I wanted so badly to be there. Not jealous, but you feel bad that you are not part of it. It was like a mini Thomas Cup. The team was enjoying themselves and I wasn’t there.

What was the toughest challenge?

My parents were really worried this time that I would slip into depression. I was alone at home, with all this mental stress. It’s tough because you can’t do anything, you can’t even train. Because you are sitting doing nothing, there’s additional pressure that you’ll put on weight. It just wasn’t easy at all this time. Folks kept calling to check on me and some good friends helped. I told myself I’m not the only player who gets injured, it happens to everyone. But it was tough. Today after winning, I was so relieved that time is over.

What was going through the mind during those four match points in the end?

Nothing, I was very comfortable. A few lucky points after 20-18 went China’s way. But we knew one shuttle here and there doesn’t matter. We had won 28-26 against Chinese Taipei the same way. Otherwise, we’d’ve been out of the tournament in the second round. I knew even if it became 1-1, there was no need to panic, and the next point the tape helped us. Few points here and there. No worries.

Is the Chinese style familiar?

We are very comfortable against most Chinese, except the ones who beat us at All England. But they mostly keep on hitting the shuttle which keeps coming on the racquet. So if you are ready all the time, it’s not tough. When I saw the draw here, I thought we had a great chance to win the title, play the finals. Though being favourites on paper can be extra pressure.

Did the first game set the tone?

Actually, we didn’t get time to warm up or even think. We were on the bus when we heard there was a walkover in the match before us. So everything was in a hurry, hurry, hurry. No time for proper taping or any discussion. We managed somehow. But the whole tournament has been like this – we focus and play well 1-2-3 minutes or 3-4 points, then 1 minute will be mistakes and pressure situations. Even when leading, I knew scores would get close. So I thought ‘Let it be’. We have played a lot of three games, so there’s nothing to panic about. But it didn’t go there.

Have you ever lost a final? Your count is 5 played, 5 won?

I think we lost Syed Modi (International) in 2018. Otherwise, we have won mostly all on the Tour.