Bunyawi Finds Inspiration from Youtube to End Long Wait for Title.
Bunyawi Thamchaiwat found inspiration from clips of her idols on youtube to end the long drought of title as she beat Natalija Kostic of Serbia 6-1 6-3 in the final round of the US$10,000 ITF Thailand Women’s Circuit 3 at True Arena Hua Hin on Saturday.
Since winning her maiden ITF crown in Bangkok in May last year, Bunyawi, despite her potential to become the country’s next top player, had been struggling with her form and barely managed to reach a final of events she had entered.
Saddened by two early exits over the past few weeks, the 18-year-old knew she had to find some motives in order to produce the level of tennis that departed her for quite some time.
“A few weeks ago, I was unable to hit the ball well. As a result, I didn’t enjoy tennis at all,” added the girl from Nakhon Ratchasima.
“So I was watching a lot of clips of Li Na and (Victoria) Azarenka on youtube. They’ve got good swings. I was inspired to play like them and here I am winning this long awaited title,” added Bunyawi, the first Thai to lift up a home trophy this year.
“I’m a bit tired today because Kostic used a lot of slices which made it difficult for me to attack her. There were moments that she succeeded too as I was angry with myself and gave her easy points.
Bunyawi Thamchaiwat
“But I tried to calm down and stayed patient. I tried to keep the ball in play and went for winners when she gave me opportunities,” said the 538th ranked Bunyawi who would return home US$1,440 richer from the prize money.
The teenager will have a two week break and resume fitness training before playing tournaments in India. She will return for the ITF Circuit 4 and 5 due at the end of November in Hua Hin.
