Unfazed by a string of failures in the domestic tennis circuit, Stutti headed west. And on her very first trip abroad, she has got the right exposure, confidence and scores.

Back home in Pune, her father has waited for the letters that bring home the tidings, good and bad. The letters speak of a player determined to go places. Here are some excerpts:
Winchester ITF: My first match in the Ladies (Gr V), against a foreigner, that too outside India. I lost in the first round but am satisfied with my performance. It gave me an unbelievable confidence. I played some amazing tennis in the girls U-18 too. I have never played so well. With such confidence, I am sure my tennis will improve day-by-day.

Surbiton Open: Lost in the first round of both the U-18 and U-21. On the whole, I played fairly well. It's only the beginning. I am getting better. The coach told me I should be happy. I am happy but not satisfied. That is the path to improvement.

Working Tournament: Won the Ladies first round. But lost in the second round. Played on two days (July 30, 31). It was indeed a morale-boosting win, the first one abroad. I am playing so well, so confidently. It gets better each time I enter the court. On July 31, I played better than the previous day. But she (her opponent) played better than me. I known I gave my best but could not control myself. I was crying on the way out.

Reigate Tournament: Won against the second seed in U-18 first round. But had to give up in the next because of a slight ankle problem. Good news Daddy. In U-18 doubles, I won the FINAL along with Astrid Judd of Canada. We beat Gemma Pullen/ Emalie Lunde of Great Britain 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-2. I got a Nike T-shirt as an award and a rolling trophy. I am so happy. Dad, it's all our hard work, isn't it?

Her three-month stint in the United Kingdom is giving her the confidence and exposure she lacked here. Her father acknowledges the fact that he had a difficult time trying to finance her trip to the Isles. He wants her to go to Sweden and Canada in the near future to shape up better. For the moment, she has returned to India. And Stutti will have opportunities enough to prove her mettle. She will be participating in the Sriram Open in Delhi, the WTA Challenger circuit at Ahmedabad, Pune, Indore and the Masters in Delhi.