"Celebrations have to wait as I'm still in the tournament and I'm also playing doubles today. So getting ample rest is my first priority," the 16-year-old said in response to a query whether she will be celebrating her victory.
Rutuja, playing in her first WTA event, overcame the initial nervousness to beat Lee 3-6 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 in a thrilling contest yesterday.
"Frankly, I was not even expecting to play in this tournament. I was scheduled to play a junior event in Korea this week when I came to know that the organisers, Netsurf, and Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association have given me a wildcard to play in this tournament," informed the local girl.
"I then changed my plan and got a WTA registration done to be eligible to play in this tournament. Once I was part of Royal Indian Open, all I had told myself was that I will give my best on the court and did not have expectations in terms of results," she added.
Rutuja, however, said it was not easy to be in the middle during the first few minutes of the match.
"Things did not go well at the start though. I was very nervous. I was playing at the centre court for the first time and when I saw myself on the big screen, I felt the pressure. But once the match progressed, I calmed down and began playing my game," Rutuja, who holds the record for being the youngest senior national champion, said. (MORE)