Monica Menon Shines in 30+ Women's Doubles, Eyes World Cup Glory
Monica Menon's Remarkable Performance
Monica Menon's triumph in the 30+ Women's Doubles event is just one highlight of her recent achievements. Alongside her gold medal, she also secured a runner-up position in the 30+ Mixed Doubles category. Menon attributes her success to effective communication, mental focus, and the aspiration to represent India on an international stage.
In an interview, Menon expressed gratitude towards her partner, emphasizing that successful doubles play hinges on clear communication. "This was only our second tournament together, yet we managed to communicate exceptionally well," she noted. The duo dominated the final, winning the first game 11-1 and ultimately clinching the title in straight games.
Menon highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration after a strong start. "After that initial win, we remained completely focused. We faced some challenges, like adapting to the conditions, but we kept our heads in the game," she explained. She cautioned against allowing opponents to gain confidence, stating, "In pickleball, giving your rivals any hope can shift the match's momentum. We aimed to stay aggressive and finish strong."
Despite narrowly missing a second gold in the 30+ Mixed Doubles final, Menon reflected positively on her performance. "I believe I could have pushed myself harder in the final game. We were down 2-0 early on, but we managed to regain our momentum multiple times," she shared. "I was perhaps a bit too error-prone and could have converted more crucial points. However, I thrive on comebacks, so I hope to perform better next time."
With the tournament being a significant step towards selection for the Pickleball World Cup, Menon expressed that representing India would be the pinnacle of her career. "I’m uncertain if I’ll get the chance, but if I do, I won’t just give 100 percent; I’ll give 300 percent. It’s a matter of pride to represent your country, and seeing the Indian flag fly is incredibly special. I’ll put forth my utmost effort, and who knows, I might secure a podium finish for India," she concluded.