11 first round losses since the start of 2023. no title wins, and no semis appearances, Kidambi Srikanth is probably going through the worst phase of his career, but the former World No. 1 still sports a smile in the time of adversity. The Indian legend was ousted in the first round of the India Open on Wednesday, by WR-18, Hong Kong’s Lee CY 22-24, 13-21, but he just knows, he has enough in the tank to come up with the goods.
Fully aware that it’s the Paris 2024 Olympic qualification year, he knows, for a talent like him, it will take just one match, or even one shot, to get his mojo back. Hence the smile, all along the tough times.
For me, it’s more about consistently winning. It’s not just about qualifying. If I’m there at the Olympics, I want to go in as a medal contender. I don’t want to go in for the sake of playing. If I can win a couple of tournaments in the next few months, that could take me to the Olympics. That will really put me there.
‘It’s Just Not Happening’
Speaking right after his loss, a rather composed Srikanth said, “For me, it’s about clicking (during those crucial moments). Also because I have lost quite a few matches, it’s not just happening. Once it happens, I’ll be okay to win tournaments.”
This confidence, perhaps because he has seen it all — the ups and downs. And he is quite clear, if he qualifies for Paris, it won’t just be for participation, it would be only for winning a medal. As for his current form, he believes, he’s playing okay, if not at his best. He beat Jonathan Christie at the Malaysia Open last week, but lost in the quarters, thereafter.
“I think beating Christie isn’t a big deal. I’ve beaten him many times before,” he added with a certain flare. But it is just great to know, that Srikanth is fully aware of how things stand for him currently, and what it will need from him to make it to the Olympics. “It (Olympic qualification) will always be in your mind when you’re losing tournaments. I know I can do it, it’s just about one match. If I can pull off a win, I think I will have a chance.”
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‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’
But all said and done, Srikanth is not losing his sleep over the qualification for sure. He concluded in his nonchalant way, “I have been there at the Olympics and I missed out by a small margin last time. So I have seen it all. It doesn’t really matter to me any more. If I win tournaments, I’ll be there. If I don’t, I won’t be there. For me it’s just about winning.”
