Playing my Best Badminton, Saina Nehwal Tells NDTV After Becoming World No. 1

Saina Nehwal, who was crowned world number one on Saturday and won the India Open Super Series just a day later said she was in the midst of the best phase of her life.(Saina Wins India Open)

"I am playing my best badminton now. This is the best phase of my life," Saina told NDTV on Sunday. (Highlights)

Saina became the first Indian to win the India Open and said she thought little of her world number one ranking because she had a tough final to play against former world champion Ratchanok Intanon.

"There was pressure on me because I had not made it beyond quarters here (in this tournament)," Saina said. "Everyone was happy with the world no. 1 ranking but I knew I had a final to play and it wasn't going to be easy."

At the end of the day, it turned out to be rather easy as Saina decimated her world number seven opponent 21-16, 21-14.

The Olympic bronze medalist said she is more confident of her game now. The 25-year-old Hyderabad girl had earlier revealed she wanted to quit the sport last year.

(With inputs from Suprita Das)