A 12 & under tennis player on the real highs and lows of competition

What is your name and age?

My name is Dahlia Neuman. I am 11 years old.

What level of competition are you currently playing?

I’m mostly playing L5 USTA 12 & under girls tournaments.

What was your favorite tournament so far?

I really liked the Dynamic Duo tournament that I played in with my friend Mya. It was really unique because her UTR rating is a lot better than mine and she is a very strong player, so I felt very confident with her by my side. This was also my favorite tournament because I played very well in doubles and we won almost every match.

What is the hardest tournament you have ever played?

The hardest tournament I’ve ever played is probably one at Trumbull Racquet Club (TRC) where I got to the finals, and won the first set 6-0 and then lost the second one 2-6 and finally lost in the tiebreak 3-10. I was so upset because I really thought I was going to win, but it didn’t go my way.

What does it feel like to lose a match?

Honestly, it sucks. I mean, whether you just got to be the finalist, or you lost in the first round, that feeling of defeat never changes. How upset and sad I feel depends on how well I think I played the match. For example, when I lost that match at TRC, I felt really upset because I knew I hadn’t played to the best of my capabilities.

What does it take to be a champion?

To be a champion you have to be brave, strong, and persistent. You have to come out playing well and going for shots. You also have to be resilient and keep playing even if you are losing. That is what it takes to be a champion.