In the midst of lockdown, Saumya Vig, a rising star in Indian Women Tennis caught with Cynergysports. She opens up about her sport, plans for the rest of year & how she is managing herself amid the covid crisis. Read in to know more and do leave your comments below. 

You were in Cairo when Covid-19 was on rise. How did you manage yourself in Cairo & how did you manage to come back?

Egypt was in a shutdown, and suddenly everything was closed due to heavy rain within 3-4 hours. Rain started Thursday morning, and no one had expected such heavy downpour. ITF later announced in the evening that everything is cancelled. We were informed to go back on a short notice. We had to make quick logistical changes.

Saumya in action, during the event

At that time Egypt didn’t have any Covid cases. The flights were tough to get last minute, and I was also not sure if I should travel to Pune or Baroda directly. I wanted to reach Mumbai safely first, without being put into quarantine. I knew that If I travel through middle east, I may be put on Quarantined. I took Egypt air to Mumbai directly and managed to land here. Once we landed, went straight to Baroda. My coaches also suggested me to go Baroda as there was no case in Baroda at that time & Pune had started getting Covid cases. Felt very safe & protected once landed home. I could get some practice in Baroda with a junior guy for next 2-3 days, but then cases kept coming in Baroda too & practice had to stop.

So how was the Cairo stint, in terms of the game?

Cairo was good and was getting better but unfortunately was cut short due to Coronavirus. When I went to Cairo , I had good confidence and my form was picking up. In terms of game I was very positive as the things, me and my team had worked upon, we could see it coming together. I lost close matches in Cairo against higher ranked players in both singles and doubles. I have been playing well and and matches like these help me believe in myself even more and every time I step onto the court.

Saumya in action during the event

Managing yourself during the tours?

I am used to it now and like the life on the tour. Depending on the countries we travel, we plan our accommodation. I like cooking so I prefer to cook wherever it is possible. Coming to fitness, we follow the program provided to us and stick to that. If fellow Indian players are traveling it gets easier on some levels and its always good to have some great company around as it can become pretty lonely at times. Having travelled alone, I am better prepared now & can handle situations better.

And ITF Jodhpur?

Jodhpur 25k was a very good tournament. Great start to the year. Last few months of 2019 was a low patch for me, so I trained very hard in courts during my preseason & gave lot of focus on fitness and strengthening. I was in the qualifying and I qualified and made it to the mains draw in Singles and in doubles we pulled a great match in quarter finals but ended up loosing to the eventual winners. Overall Jodhpur was a great confidence booster for me.

A very focussed Saumya preping for the event

So, what were the events you had planned in 2020?

I played ITF Jodhpur and after that I travelled to Cairo, just 5 days after Jodhpur. Had planned to play 3 weeks in Cairo, 2 tournaments in Kazakhstan followed by 2 tournaments in Uzbekistan. Then a training block in May & then the Maybe the Asian swing. In rainy seasons we tend not to spend time in India but travel for ITF and WTA’s.. That’s how me and my team had planned my tournaments but given the situation not sure how things pan out in near future. 

So how do you balance yourself physically & mentally during Covid times? Must not be easy, as you tend to spend your time outdoors & things have changed now.

My fitness trainer has given me the fitness program & schedules to be followed at home. I am following that to ensure I stay fit. These times are tough, but I am able to spend more time with my family and at home.

Saumya, not dropping her energy even during Covid19 lockdown

Reading books, helping in household stuff and cooking are some of the things I keep myself occupied in. I love cooking & I do it even while touring. Just ensuring that I am able to channelize my energy in right things, which helps improve myself as a person and my game in a productive way.

And the journey from Baroda to Pune. How did that happen?

I was training for some time in Delhi around 2013/14, but it didn’t work out for me. That was a bad phase of my life. I came back to Baroda & around 2016 I decided to move on and joined coaching under Hemant sir. My mother has been always with me during these tough times. Things have changed after I moved here.  It’s been amazing being here, and he is always there for you. Not just as a tennis player, but even outside the courts his suggestions are so valuable. The facilities here are amazing and you have everything at one place. He knows what a player goes through during tournaments and ensures that we are given utmost care.

Saumya during her intense sessions

Tell us about your parents as well & their contribution.

My parents have been working hard for me. My dad is in Indian Army, retired now, but he has strict discipline. In 6-7^th class, I started playing tennis as a hobby. After that I joined an academy there. The interest started developing and I felt that I can take this professionally. Started playing at state level and nationals & I did well. After my board exam, I laid more stress on tennis. My mother and Father have been good athletes and excellent sportsperson s. Because of the sporting background, they supported, prepared & motivated me for tennis. My mother has been my great motivation throughout & is a big critic of my game as well. We are friendly and enjoy being in each other’s company.

Saumya with her parents

Who do you look up to for drawing inspiration, from the current lot of players?

I would say my mom is someone I always look for inspiration. She has sacrificed a lot for me, and I am able to play and compete because of that. Just seeing how strong my mom is inspiring me even more. She has always believed in me and pushed me every step of the way. Also

My coaches and my team, Hemant sir, Utsav sir, Gaurav, they push me to do better every single day. It’s always so positive and motivating. They are someone I always look up to.

Your diet you are following while staying at home?

I am not burning enough calories, as I do on a regular practice day. So, trying to balance things, with more vitamins, proteins, more fiber and just enough carbs for normal body functioning. Ensuring that I don’t gain fat and also don’t lose muscle, else will be tough to manage once I am back on court.

Your favorite Travel destinations for vacations.

Love going to beaches & visiting cities with great skyscrapers. In India, Goa is great, and I would love to visit. Beaches in Thailand are also great.  I would love going to Greece sometime and enjoy the beauty there.

Cynergymedia wishes Saumya Vig a safe health & a great 2020. We thank her for this time & support.

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