Nandita Krishnan

Jamshedpur, Sept. 7: She wants to serve like Kim Clijsters and, unlike her father Ramesh Krishnan, the former Davis Cup captain of India, believes in power tennis.

However, 13-year-old Nandita does not hesitate to ask for tips on tennis from her father.

In the city to participate in the Tata Steel Tennis Championships (AITA Super Series), Nandita took some time off to speak to The Telegraph this afternoon.

“Though I am not very experienced in the tennis circuit, I enjoy playing the game,” Nandita said.

A Class VIII student of Shishya School in Chennai, Nandita admitted that her father “occasionally” chips in with tips on tennis.

“My father was a good touch player. But it’s difficult to adopt his style now. It needs talent as well a lot of hard work to be a touch player. It is very difficult to become a touch player in this age of power tennis,” Nandita said.

Asked how far she expects to pursue tennis, the teenager, a cadet of Ramesh Krishnan Tennis Academy in Chennai, where she takes tennis lessons along with her elder sister Gayatri, said: “I will try my level best to become a professional tennis player.”

Nandita added that she has seen the video recordings of her father’s matches.

“I was a kid when he was in his prime. I admire my father. He is a fine tennis player and a loving father,” said Nandita.

However, tennis is just a part of her future plans. Nandita said she was equally interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine.

“I would like to pursue sports medicines. I find it very interesting,” she added.

Her mother, Priya, who is accompanying Nandita, chipped in: “We have taken care to bring up our daughters. Ramesh and I make it a point to spend quality time with them. We encourage them to discuss their future plans with us.”

Priya said her husband was with their elder daughter Gayatri in Colombo, where she is participating in the ITF meet.

Asked why Nandita was not playing at the ITF meet, Priya said, “She has not yet reached the level to participate in such tournaments. She is young and needs more exposure. She is still now learning the tricks of the game.”

Nandita will compete in both the under-14 and under-18 categories here.

She appeared calm and confident.

“I reached the quarters of the junior nationals held in Chennai last month. Let’s see how I fare here,” she added.

The budding player said she has not seen much of the city.

“We checked in the hotel today. But, the city is beautiful, especially the sports complex. It has such modern sports facilities. I would like to have a closer look at the stadium,” said Nandita, before heading to the VIP lounge to complete the signing formalities.