David Dismisses Dipika In KL Quarters, Exclusive Interview With Susan Pallikal
by Bob Hanscom
March 29, 2012 - Just hours before Dipika Pallikal's quarter-final match with world #1 and six-time women's world squash champion Nicol David at this year's KL Open that bears her name, we had the privilege of talking with Dipika's mom Susan. We asked her a few questions regarding Dipika's ten-place rise in the world rankings since being taken under the wing of former five-time world champion from Australia, Sarah Fitz-Gerald. Here's our exclusive interview...
BH – What do you believe has made the difference in Dipika's play this last year?
SP - I Just think that Dipika has grown a lot! She has matured into a full time professional and no longer is a 19 year old child.
BH – What do you believe she has learned - working with Sarah Fitz-Gerald over this last year?
SP - She has learned to adapt to each of her opponent's game. Her shot selection has improved vastly! In short, she enjoys staying on court. It's not like the times when she just wanted to play all her shots ,win and get out, which contributed to her making unforced errors.
BH - What do you think the most important difference working with Sarah has made?
SP - Sarah has been an inspiration! She has turned out to be not only her coach, but a friend, philosopher and guide. Sarah's husband Cameroon, has been a revelation as well. He has been a great boon and totally responsible for keeping Dipika's mind strong - and developing the mental aspect of her game. That's where I believe her maturity has developed over the last year.
BH – Is Dipika concerned and/or paying much attention to her rise in the rankings?
SP - Though people say ranking doesn't matter, that's the magical thing that keeps players wanting to do better and better.With a higher ranking comes better draws, great confidence and a “never say die" attitude.
BH – Has Dipika's work-load increased since working with Sarah?
SP - Dipika has worked tremendously hard, sacrificing many things. Where she is today, (top 15 at the age of 20), has lots to do with her strong will, humble nature and the great passion she has for for the game.
BH – Thank you Susan for this exclusive and thoughtful interview. Good luck to Dipika in her future squash endeavors.
SP – Thanks and yeah, it would be fine to quote me!
DIPIKA PALLIKAL
The ten-place rise in Dipika's world rankings, (from #25 a year ago to #15 currently), certainly justifies her decision to put herself into the hands of Sarah Fitz-Gerald. At the above-mentioned tournament currently taking place in Kuala Lumpur, following her two wins in the qualifiers, Dipika, the #15 ranked-player in world, disposed of the #8 seed, current world #7, 26 year-old Kasey Brown in the first round of the main draw, earning her the rather dubious privilege of meeting the #1 player in the world, Nicol David in the quarters. As expected, Nicol disposed of Dipika in relatively short order, 11/5, 11/2, 11/6 in 25 minutes. Nicol now moves into the semi-finals, meeting world #5, Raneem El Weleily of Egypt who defeated world #4, Madeline Perry of Ireland in her quarter-final match. However, we haven't heard the last of the young Dipika. She'll be back, that's for sure!
Back To Main
