10 Questions with...

UW Tennis Standout Clement Chidekh

BY MARK MOSCHETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

During the fall tennis season, Washington junior Clement Chidekh kept accomplishing things that hadn’t been accomplished in a long time advancing deep into the draw at different tournaments, including two of the three collegiate ‘majors.’ A native of Lyon, France, Chidekh is in his second season with the Huskies and put together an 11-3 singles record, which included numerous victories against ranked players. In this issue’s ‘10 Questions,’ Chidekh talks about what got him to Seattle and to the UW, what inspires him to play at such a high level, and what he enjoys doing when he’s not on the court or in the classroom.

What weighed in on your decision to come to Seattle and join the Huskies?

“I was at a point in my life where I needed a framework and motivated people around me if I wanted to get back on track. Having Chris Russell contact me at that time was an incredible opportunity for me. The University of Washington is all about athletic and academic excellence, so it was an honor to be able to be a part of such a school and to be coached by Matt Anger. I immediately felt the professionalism and motivation of the coaches and they were very supportive of the admission process. I couldn't have made a better choice.’’

What parts of the city have you been able to see, and what has been your most fun experience in Seattle so far?

“I unfortunately don't have that much time to visit, but I have had the chance to hike around and see a bit of the city. We are blessed with a wonderful campus and spending time at the Quad in the spring and watching Mount Rainier from the fountain are always wonderful quiet moments. I love going to Gasworks Park in the evening to watch the reflection of Seattle downtown on the water. I realize how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place and I always miss Seattle when we I'm traveling!’’

What do you enjoy most about playing tennis?

“Tennis is such an all-around sport, but it is first and foremost a game. I have a lot of fun on the court and what I enjoy most is combining the athletic aspect with the tactical side, thinking when you are tired, finding solutions while panting. I love math and every match is a problem for me to solve. As long as the last point is not lost, there is always a way to win.’’

If you weren't playing tennis, what sport would you play and why would you do it?

“I would play soccer, I started out doing both sports because my father was an amateur soccer player. I would love to do a team sport. I am a generous person and I love to go the extra mile for my teammates and my friends. It is an incredible opportunity for me to play tennis on a team and represent such an institution as UW. Nothing can motivate me more.’’

Is there a particular player who has been an inspiration to your career?

“Of course, I watch a lot of tennis on TV so a lot of professional players have inspired me. But it's mostly all the players that have beaten me in my life that have shown me the way by highlighting the things I still need to work on. Defeat is my biggest inspiration.’’

What experiences have opened up for you through tennis, and how have these experiences influenced your life?

“Having the chance to come here is the biggest experience that tennis has opened up to me so far by allowing me to become a better teammate, a better student and a better person. All the encounters that tennis has given me have allowed me to move forward in my life. All the work we did with my teammates and the coaches this past season allowed me to play against players I was watching on TV, like Gasquet and Pouille, and win my first professional title. But more important, It allowed me to wear the UW colors high this fall on the courts, even if we always want more. All the matches I've won since I've been here are also the victories of my teammates, my coaches, and all the people who work in the athletic department and who put us in the best conditions every day. There is no better feeling for me than hard work paying off. Only sport can give you those feelings.’’

Is there a famous place where you have not yet played, but dream of playing one day?

“Obviously Wimbledon, the temple of tennis. I haven't had the chance to play on grass yet. When Coach Matt tells me about it, it makes me dream even more and I take a lot of pleasure to watch his matches against the greatest on these courts.’’

When you are not on the tennis court or studying, what do you like to do in your free time?

“I try to rest as much as possible because the days are very busy. I like to spend time with my teammates and bond with them. I also watch a lot of tennis I use my free time to keep improving. The best players are always thinking about their game. They eat tennis, drink tennis, breathe tennis. I am also a soccer fan and watch my favorite teams' games on the weekends when I have time.’’

What are some things on your personal to-do list that you haven't done yet?

“I love hiking and Washington is one of the best places in the world from that perspective. I hope to have time to do one around Mount Rainier that I love to admire so much. Visiting Pike Place Market is also on my to-do list. Besides being a mythical place in Seattle, it will be a lot of memories for me because I used to go to the market with my parents every Wednesday in my hometown.’’

If you could invite a famous person to dinner, either a current or past person, who would it be — and why?

“I would invite Thomas Pesquet, the French astronaut. He is my inspiration because of the values he embodies: hardworking, dreamer, generous, humble and empathetic. While waiting to invite him, I'm taking advantage of being able to sit at the same table as Matt Anger. who taught me and still has a lot to teach me in tennis and in life.”