Interview | We are fighting with what we have, says Adriana Diaz Premium

Adriana Diaz, Puerto Rico's top table tennis player, is a charismatic athlete making waves globally with her unique playing style.

Adriana Diaz is generally a chirpy character, a livewire on and off the table. The 24-year-old, ranked 16th in the world in women’s singles, has single-handedly put Puerto Rico on the world table tennis map. And she’s managed to do this in a country not particularly known for the sport. An attacking player armed with a bag full of trick shots including chop blocks and ‘No Look’ ones, Adriana has defeated a number of top-ranked paddlers and has carved a niche of her own through active engagement with fans and her scintillating display on the WTT Tour over the last few years.

In fact, a clip shared by WTT for the Star Contender Chennai recently showed a fan telling her, “I am your big fan.” She replied coyly, “Really?”

The three-time Olympian, who lost in the round of 16 to Kim Nayeong of Korea in Chennai, is a huge of fan of India, its food, culture and players. In this interview, Adriana spoke about her progress on the WTT Tour, on being the first Puerto Rican to reach the world’s top 20 and on playing in three Olympics, among other things. Excerpts:

I’ve been to India plenty of times. I really like to be here. I like Indian culture. I respect it. I love Indian food. So, I’m very happy to be here in Chennai for the WTT Star Contender Chennai.

Being the first Puerto Rican to qualify to the Olympics (Rio 2016) was amazing for me. At the time, I was 15 years old, so I didn’t know how crazy it was.

I was like a little kid just playing the sport I loved. So, right now when I think of it, it’s for me, it’s a pleasure to be one of the best players in the world. Coming from Puerto Rico — which is a small island where not many people play table tennis — to play the sport at a high level is great.

But, I think table tennis is growing right now. There are many more TT players in Puerto Rico. There’s also young talent. So, I’m very happy that I could help a little to inspire more young kids.