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India No. 4 Vaidehee Chaudhari is yet to find her feet this season. The 24-year-old may have fallen early in two big events in Thailand, but she came away richer for the experience playing against higher-ranked players.

“I didn’t get off to the start that I had planned, but it was an amazing experience playing against top players, and I learnt valuable lessons,” said Vaidehee, who was awarded a wild card into the main draw of the $100,000 KPB Trust Women’s ITF Open that begins at the KSLTA courts here on January 21.

Besides the exposure gained in Thailand, the run into the doubles semifinals in New Delhi two days ago with a new partner (Riya Bhatia), should stand the promising Ahmedabad girl in good stead in the biggest-ever ITF World Tennis Tour event in the country next week.

Ranked 386 in the world, Vaidehee is gung-ho about the W100 event. “I’m really very excited to be playing against top-class players and am looking forward to my first-round match,” said the youngster, who was robbed of much-needed practice because of the unseasonal rain on Sunday.

Despite the lack of court time, the India No. 4 said that she was prepared for the grind ahead. “It’s a great opportunity to play in the main draw of a big event, I’m ready for the battle and will compete hard,” she said.

With wheels for feet, Vaidehee’s strengths are her court coverage and her never-say-die spirit. Besides being known for her staying power, she is equally good at the net. Winner of three ITF singles titles and four doubles titles, three of them with Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, she is focused on taking her game to the next level.

“My target now is to crack 250 (ranking) so that I can get into the qualifiers of the Slams,” Vaidehee said. “For that, I need to be more consistent and play as many big events as possible.”

And the road to the Slams could well begin here next week for the promising player.