After a memorable 2017, Kidambi Srikanth wants to aim for consistency in 2018 amid hectic schedule
Kidambi Srikanth
After winning four Super Series titles -- Indonesia, Australia, Denmark and France -- a lot of expectations were pitted on Kidambi Srikanth to end the year on a high at the BWF Dubai World Super Series Finals in Dubai. However, as fate would have it, Srikanth, who returned to the court after a two-month hiatus due to hamstring injury, failed to register a win in all three of his group matches and crashed out from the season's final tournament.
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Nonetheless, one can't take away the fact that Srikanth has had an amazing year having beaten players like World and Olympic champion Chen Long (whom he beat 22-20, 21-16 to claim the Australia Open) and Danish World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen (whom he defeated in the quarter-finals of Denmark Open) among others.
Srikanth, 24, who rose to a career-best ranking of World No. 2 in November, will end the year ranked World No. 3 (need to be re-checked after the new BWF rankings are released on December 21). Looking ahead to 2018, the Guntur-born shuttler wants to ensure consistent performances. "Every tournament is important. So, I aim to be consistent in 2018. I'll take each tournament at a time and aim for the best results," Srikanth said.
Like any athlete, Srikanth also has had his fair share of injuries and keeping himself fit for the coming season is a top priority. "I have recovered well (from the recent hamstring injury) and aim to stay fit and keep up my form. One of the challenges is staying fit, which is extremely important. I really want to perform in the big tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian games," said Srikanth.
Come 2018, an action-packed calendar is certainly an understatement for any shuttler. They have to play in 12 mandatory BWF events besides the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Asked how he plans to strike a balance between so many important tournaments, Srikanth said: "I will plan this year by keeping the big tournaments in mind such as CWG, Asian Games and World Championships and then plan other tournaments accordingly. We get to play in the Asian Games and CWG after every four years, so being fit for these tournaments will be my priority," he
concluded.
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