India Open Winner Kidambi Srikanth Says he Has no Fear of Losing

India Open Super Series champion Kidambi Srikanth said he doesn't feel the fear of losing and that mindset has helped him in his blossoming career.(Srikanth Wins India Open)

After winning the Swiss Grand Prix Gold earlier this month, Srikanth on Sunday clinched his maiden India Open title, edging out world No. 6 Viktor Axelsen 18-21, 21-13, 21-12 in the final.

Asked if he ever feels fear of losing, Srikanth said: "I don't actually. I don't think about winning all the time. I just want to play my best and that is the reason I don't feel fear."

He has been touted as the next potential world number one by former national coach Vimal Kumar and Srikanth said the numero uno status is in his mind and he hopes to achieve that in the near future.

"I always had that thing (number one ranking) in my mind. It is good to be on top of the world. I don't get to one after this victory but if I keep continue playing well then one day definitely I will be there ," said the Guntur born player, who won his first title at 2013 Thailand Grand Prix Gold.

"Every win is important to me, every win motivates me, every win gives me the confidence to perform well in the next tournament."

World No. 4 Srikanth is likely to rise further in the rankings next Thursday, following is exploits at the Siri Fort Complex.

Talking about the final, Srikanth said: "I didn't play my best in the first game so I was disappointed. I was down 20-13 or something and then I got few points which made me think that there is another game that I can play.

"In the second game, I started well and I got the confidence and in the third I don't know, he was leading till 11 and then it became 12-12. I continuously kept the pressure on and didn't play any simple strokes at that time," he said.

The 22-year-old had beaten Viktor at the Swiss Open final as well.

Sharing his insight on his opponent and the final clash, Srikanth said: "We both play the same kind of game. We both want to attack the net, hit from the back court. In the third game, I actually used the side advantage really well.

"I didn't want to be too behind at the break. I didn't want to give easy points. He actually played really well in the first game, he attacked the net much better than me and smashed well. I could not counter then.

"In the third game, after 12-12, I really enjoyed playing at the net, I got lucky there, and then I hit a few good smashes, really good."

Asked about his future tournaments, Srikanth said: "I am playing Malaysia and Singapore in the coming weeks. I will have to fly back to Malaysia tonight."

It is yet another feather in Srikanth's cap as he has been on a roll ever since winning the China Open Super Series Premier last November.

He reached the semifinals at the Hong Kong Open, World Super Series Finals, made it to the finals of Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold before winning the Swiss Open.