MY LIFE AT THE Life experiences from our international student players at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. What’s it like being a student player at the Mouratoglou Academy? We ask Indian players Siddhesh Mahadeshwar and Ishita Parikh about their experience at the most advanced tennis center in Europe.
‘The Academy has made me even more independent than I was. [...] Here, no one but you will tell you how to manage your time, be prepared for your trainings etc.’
Siddhesh Mahadeshwar Indian, 15 years old
In what way have you changed since you joined the Academy? It has made me even more independent than I was. There is always someone to help you, but you have to manage yourself and figure things out by yourself. Here, no one but you will tell you how to manage your time, be prepared for your trainings etc. How do you deal with the competitive spirit at the Academy? There is definitely a competitive atmosphere here, but you need that competitive spirit because it pushes you to do more, but you mustn’t push it too far. You are obviously far from home in a foreign country and culture, how do you cope when you reach a low point? There is always my parents who I can talk to, but I often go to my coach or speak to my friends here at the Academy. My coaches and friends they know what it’s like to live at the academy and they give me their perspective. What kind of relationship do you have with your coach? He’s my best friend on the court! Whenever I have a problem, it can be about tennis or something else, I can really tell him everything. He’s really supportive.
What are your objectives once you graduate from the Academy? Like every player who comes to the Academy I initially wanted to become a professional, but when I see the competition out there it’s motivating and demotivating at the same time. If I’m being realistic, I would like to get a really good scholarship in a top US college, because I’ll have my tennis to back me up and my academics are good as well. What is your best memory at the Academy so far? Last year after all the hard work I put in, I was awarded the most improved player of the year at the academy. I felt I had achieve something big. I had worked hard and got something out of it. I hope I get it again next year. What would be your 2 cents of advice to players willing to join the Academy? If you expect too much in the beginning you might get demotivated. Because despite all the hard work and effort you put in, it takes time to get results. Nobody has ever become a champion over night. You’ve got to give it time.
Ishita Parikh Indian, 15 years old ‘I don’t know how he does it but my coach gets a new side out of me.’
How have you evolved since you joined the Academy? When I first came to the academy I was very shy, but very quickly I built confidence thanks to the people who surround me. My coach, my friends here at the Academy have made me stronger. To give you an example, a year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do this interview.
What is the biggest difference between playing here at the Academy and back in India? At the academy you need to be disciplined and dedicated. Everything is planned here: warming up, practicing, stretching. Back home at my old club, you could show up whenever you wanted, no one really cared. It was a bit ad hoc.
Tell us about your coach… I don’ t know how he does it but he gets a new side out of me. He looks to rectify our faults and he works on the fitness and the tennis side of things on the court.
What are your goals when you graduate in the next couple of years? My goal is to turn pro - period. That’s why with my coaches this year we’re starting to play ITF’s. For example in April we’re going to Malta to play an ITF and will play more high level tournaments in the future to get me used to this kind of level of play.
Tell us about a difficult period you faced at the Academy and how did you overcome this? Last year there was a period when I kept losing matches, but everyone here was was supportive. By talking to other people and taking in their experience and input I managed to change things around and did really well during the summer tour. What are you specifically working on with your coach I am working specifically on being stronger mentally. Sometimes matches can slip away from me for some reason, so now I try to let go on the court, to simply go for my shots and to not hold back.
What is your best memory at the Academy so far? I have many good memories with my friends here, but maybe my best memory was last year, just one day before going back to India for the summer, I beat my first 2/6 (French ranking). It was a tough match but I finished the year with a big win, which I took with me back home.
About us Founded by Patrick Mouratoglou, in the heart of the French Riviera lies the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. The most advanced tennis center in Europe, which regroups an international tennis-study program, a team of 20+ experienced tennis and fitness coaches and sporting facilities in a world class Country Club environment. 35+ different nationalities live and train together at the Academy. Much more than a simple school or training ground, the Academy shapes each individual according to the values of discipline, self-management and open-mindedness.
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