Our interview with Satvik below :
1) Please kindly introduce yourself to our VOXers
Hi, I’m Satvik Singhania, a second year international student from India. I am studying Economics at SMU. I love playing tennis and have been playing ever since I was 10 yrs old. My other hobbies are watching movies and playing sports ( mainly badminton, table tennis and football ).
2) SMU has been performing quite well in the past few years, do tell us how the team keeps up its competitiveness despite hectic school schedule
SMU has been consistently performing better each year and its all due to the dedication of the players and the support of the school. Everyone in the team is very passionate about tennis and they are always striving to improve. Plus I guess competitiveness is something that comes from within players which can be seen every time they hit the courts.
3) What were the results of the team in 2009 and were they up to expectation?
In the SUNI games 2009 we came in 2nd overall. We won gold in the men’s team and the women’s individual event. Last year we had aimed at coming first overall so we fell just short of our expectation, but it was still an improvement and we were happy with the results.
4) As team captain, you probably have to juggle studies with leading the team, how do you manage the stress of studies and the demands of being a captain?
Being Captain definitely comes with its set of responsibilities and is a little time consuming but it’s not that hard to manage mainly due to the support I have from the entire team. Every member of the team is very dedicated about training and so they make my job much easier.
5) What are the goals set forth by the team this coming SUNI Games 2010 season?
We want our tennis standards to improve significantly by the time of the SUNI Games 2010 and win overall gold this time, winning as many individual and team events as we can on the way. We know we have the capability and dedication required to achieve this.
6) What would you like to tell all supporters of the SMU tennis team?
I would like to first and foremost thank all our supporters for standing by us and cheering us on. It would be difficult for us to achieve all that we have till now without your support. We promise to improve even more this coming SUNI Games, so continue showing your support.
7) Who is your favorite tennis player?
Rafael Nadal. This guy impresses me every time he hits the courts. He enters the court running and leaves the court running. He never gives up and has the spirit of a true warrior on court, fighting for every point. In every match of his you can see his dedication and will to win. Its really inspiring.
8) On a lighter side of things, if you could choose one animal to describe the SMU tennis team, what would it be and why?
Giraffe. Head and Shoulders above the rest. LOL.
Our interview with Ida below :
1) Please kindly introduce yourself to our VOXers
Hi! I’m Ida, a 2nd year student majoring in Economics and Finance at the Singapore Management University. I have been playing tennis for many years now, and cannot imagine ever stopping for good. Therefore, I am cherishing my years with SMU Tennis as much as I possibly can.
2) SMU has been performing quite well in the past few years, do tell us how the team keeps up its competitiveness despite hectic school schedule
We do ensure we have regular training sessions which also incorporates physical conditioning to ensure the team maintains its fitness and competitive edge. As and when possible, we do have training trips during school breaks to help provide us with match exposure and also foster team bonding.
3) What were the results of the team in 2009 and were they up to expectation?
Our Men’s and Ladies’ teams were Champions and 2nd runners up in the SuniG team event respectively. We also participated in the biannual Indian Rim Asian University Games in Perth, and both team came in 2nd runners up in their respective categories. The entire team was dedicated towards preparing for both events, and this was reflected in our results. However, there is always room for improvement and we definitely have potential to improve on last year’s results.
4) As team captain, you probably have to juggle studies with leading the team, how do you manage the stress of studies and the demands of being a captain?
Being close to my team definitely ensures being a captain is nowhere near being a chore. Additionally, having an efficient exco allows effective delegation and support when needed. No one person can be credited for leading a team alone. Apart from that, ensuring I stay on top of all my responsibilities and no backlog is accumulated helps keep me up to speed.
5) What are the goals set forth by the team this coming SUNI Games 2010 season?
We are definitely looking on improving on our showing at SUNI Games this year, both in the individual and team events. Hopefully, our players would also be able to play their personal best at all their matches and exhibit great sportsmanship and determination.
6) What would you like to tell all supporters of the SMU tennis team?
Your support for us is much appreciated and has definitely helped reaffirm that we’re never alone when on court!
7)Who is your favorite tennis player?
Justine Henin. Her comeback couldn’t be more timely, given the lack of consistent top female players on the scene at the moment.
8) On a lighter side of things, if you could choose one animal to describe the SMU tennis team, what would it be and why?
A lion, because our of tenacity, undying fighting spirit on the court and thirst for success.
