One tournament in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and two others in Phan Thiet (Viêt Nam) – a behind-the-scenes look at the M15 tournaments
Certain experiences outside one’s comfort zone enable you to grow both as an athlete and as a person. I’m heading off with three players (ATP rankings 900–2000) to three tournaments in Asia; the first in Kuala Lumpur, followed by the next two in Phan Thiet, Vietnam. These tournaments are in the $15,000 category, so the aim is to qualify for the main draw and then win one or more ATP points. First and foremost, this requires a great ability to adapt, as everything is new: the courts, the weather, the culture, the organisation, the food and even the time difference. That is why we arrive several days before the competition begins; to get into shape physically and tennis-wise, and to acclimatise to the weather conditions. This sort of intercontinental tour also allows players to monitor their physical preparation closely; depending on how far they progress or are knocked out of the tournament, fitness work proves vital to ensure they start the next one in the best possible shape. It is also my role, alongside organising and leading tennis training sessions, to monitor the athletes’ fitness by providing them with a daily fitness training plan tailored to each individual. The final outcome of this tour will be several qualifications for the main draw, as well as the accumulation of numerous ATP points, in both singles and doubles. On top of that, the many cultural experiences gained during the various visits and activities undertaken away from the tennis courts are also part of the experience; taking your mind off things allows you to start training sessions and matches with a lighter, fresher mindset. What’s more, it helps to strengthen team spirit, which is rather rare in a sport that is almost exclusively individual.
For Wagner Motion - Jonathan Wagner