MUMBAI, NOV 06,
Luksika Kumkhum moved to a career-high 80 when the WTA rankings were announced on Monday. She was at 103 while entering the $125000 L&T Mumbai Open and her five-match winning streak did the trick.
The gritty Thai demonstrated high fitness levels, excellent stroke play and tactical acumen to win her first WTA title.
In her 10th year on tour, Luksika did not give much vent to her emotions, but said: “I am really happy that I could make this happen and hope to do it the second time.
“I had decided to play the Mumbai Open in probably June itself. I was planning to come here after my friend told me. She was here last year.”
Six matches in the Australian Open this year gave hints of her talent. After her reasonable success, she played many ITF tournaments, before the $250,000 WTA in Seoul in September. She lost in the first round. “I enjoy every time I am on the court; it’s the same level (ITF and WTA). I don’t think this is a big one or this is a small one. I just go out and play,” she said when asked to distinguish the quality of play in ITF and WTA.
Tough final
Luksika had her work cut out against Irina in the final. Did her rival’s tactical use of the lob affect her? She laughed and said: “I know she changes the speed and height often. We have played each other in the juniors.
“I know her style of play and she knows mine. But I did not expect her to lift the ball often. From the second set onwards I was ready for the high ball.’’
Clearly she was happy to take home $20,000. “Money… people need money. I have to pay my coach, he is happy now (laughs). I have to keep playing too.”
The Mumbai Open victory took her win tally to 34 from 12 hard court tournaments this year.
