Hectic schedule, fitness issues affected Saina: Gopichand

National Coach Pullela Gopichand feels the "hectic" international and domestic schedule has taken a toll on Saina Nehwal's fitness and form this season but exuded confidence that "solid training" will make the Indian ace battle-ready for next year.
The 23-year-old Saina had a poor run this season as she failed to win a single title. Besides a couple of semifinal finishes at All England and Malaysia Open, the Indian has nothing to show this year.
"Definitely, I think it's very obvious that they have not played very well. It has been a tiring year. These results came because fitness levels came down. It has been a hectic season," Gopichand told reporters.

"The results till September have been very good. After that, there has been slight slack in form. I don't think it is a cause of concern. We will get two-three weeks good break and we will have some time to train. I am sure by next season, they should be alright," he said.
Gopichand feels Saina lost a lot of time because of her injury but said she can find her best form with sound training schedule.
"I think it (relatively poor form) happens with all players. She had been in top five (in world rankings) consistently for four to five years. Of course, people will read her. She also knows many of the players, games in and out. It's not necessarily only the reading part. It has also to do with some bit an injury. More importantly, the time which was lost due to injury," he said.

"There is nothing (injury) now. But, the time we have lost, she has not been really able to train for that good four to five weeks of solid training. Without that base, you cannot get it at the highest level. You want to protect your ranking, you don't want to slip too far, so you tend to play too many and that hurts you in the end," he added.