“At the start of the year, my goal was to be ranked in the top 25 of the world. But after the way things went, I re-set my target to break into the top 10. I am really glad that I could achieve that also,” she explained in a chat with The Hindu.

“Each event is a learning experience. Now I am more confident of beating the top players in the world,” said the BPCL officer.

“The advantage of being in the top 10 is that now I should be able to get good draws in the big events. However, there is always a scope for improvement. Though I am an improved player, the process of improvement is eternal. Or else you know these girls (Chinese and Indonesians) would easily catch up with you,” Saina said.

“I am not sure how the next year would be. But, I will not be found wanting in terms of training and commitment. I will be aiming at a special performance in the next year’s All England championship and the World Championships (to be held in Hyderabad).”

She said that she still has to work on her defence. “Or else they (opponents) are bound to get the better of me on my backhand.”