India’s women’s singles debutant Unnati Hooda needs to believe she belongs on the big stage for the long haul.
“I am working mentally on taking my time on the court,” the teenager says, ahead of her Round 1 match against Thet Htar Thuzar of Myanmar, realising that a first appearance can go in the wrong direction quickly if she doesn’t compose herself through her inaugural Worlds.
The youngster could go deep if she can find her way around a navigable draw. If she gets past the first round, Unnati will probably need to beat 13th-seeded Canadian nemesis Michelle Li next (or Chiu Pin-Chian). The path isn’t treacherous but it’ll need her to be courageous and take on potentially 8th seed Tomoka Miyazaki in the pre-quarters. Chen Yufei is in her quarter, and though a medal is tough, the World Championships is a good time to get ambitious.
“On the biggest stage, you need to work equally on the physical and mental aspects. So I’ve been working with a psychologist,” Unnati says. “It’s never easy given these are seeded players. We can’t decide the result but what I’m capable of, I intend to do. I also have my qualities. I’ve come prepared.”
Unnati says she is excited for the Worlds and sees it as a good opportunity to make a mark playing at home. What has changed since her early loss at the World Juniors, though, is her mindset.
“I know I need to adapt to different situations. And I need to reset (after losing a point) quickly. I feel confident because I have prepared well,” she says.
Unnati trained with PV Sindhu on Sunday, but will need to use her first match to get a hang of the drift on the court to strike the right length, especially on the tosses and lifts. Windy conditions have often challenged her, and in Li – should both line up – she will be up against someone far more experienced. Though at 36, she is someone Unnati can hassle with her sharp strokes.
Miyazaki could be difficult as an out-runner, with a classical Japanese defence against the feisty Haryanvi, whose own retrieving will be tested. The Indian youngster will need to guard against deceptions, but will back herself to pull off a few upsets though Miyazaki, 20, if Unnati gets past the tricky Lee, will be the biggest obstacle.