Aanik Lohani: Men's Singles Post-Match Interview

 

Aanik Lohani on Reaching First Singles Final, Facing Ben Johns

1. 0:07 How are you feeling? - Lohani says reaching his first singles final feels "ecstatic" and "amazing."

"I think I blacked out for half the match and I'm just thankful that I come to and am able to put a string of points together."

 

2. 0:45 How did it feel playing on center court with a lead over JW? - Lohani tried to match JW's level up in play during the second set to close out the match.

"You can't give up just cuz you're up 10 doesn't mean you got the match in the bag."

 

3. 1:43 Six Match Points - Did you think JW was going to push a game 3? - Lohani felt cramps coming on during match point attempts and knew he had to finish in 2 sets before momentum shifted.

"I actually started to feel myself cramp a bit which I think helped me actually a little bit to tell myself you know it's now or never."

 

4. 2:24 Why do you talk to yourself in a match? - Lohani says critiquing shots helps him stay mentally focused, and players need to find routines that work for them.

"You got to find what works for you and be able to execute on whatever that routine maybe."

 

5. 3:10 Ben Johns - Lohani is excited to bring high energy and controlled play against Ben Johns in the final.

"Got to come out with a lot of energy and effort. Energy is going to be big. You got to come out firing but under control."

 

6. 4:02 Your girlfriend on the bench - Lohani says his girlfriend Marnie's smiles and positivity lift him up between points.

"She'll be just smiling cuz sometimes I feel like she doesn't really know or care what's really going on so she's just out there like vibing having a good time."

 

Summary

In this post-match interview after reaching his first singles final, Aanik Lohani discussed feeling amazed, trying to match JW Johnson's level in the 2nd set, playing through cramps on match point, talking to himself during matches, his excitement to face Ben Johns, and how his girlfriend Marnie keeps him smiling between points. Lohani came across as gracious, focused on routines, and ready to bring energy against the dominant Johns.

:07 How are you feeling? 0:45 How did it feel playing on center court with a lead over JW? 1:43 Six Match Points - Did you think JW was going to push a game 3? 2:24 Why do you talk to yourself in a match? 3:10 Ben Johns 4:02 Your girl friend on the bench