The tennis team is 2-6 overall, but Manish Kumar hasn’t lost a single’s match all season making him 9-0.
How does it feel being named POTW?
“I found out about it yesterday at the gym. My teammate Jason told me, “you’re the player of the week.” He made a pretty big hype about it so I was excited, I wasn’t expecting it but I was really excited yesterday.”
What do you think about how your team has been doing lately?
“The team has been improving initially it was a slow start, but everybody is getting their game together and everybody is getting into a better mind set. Everybody wants to win. It’s a very good environment on and off the court.”
Do you personally like playing singles matches or doubles better?
“I would say it’s a mix. Currently in the season I’ve been winning more of my singles matches than doubles. But I really like to play doubles because that gives me an opportunity to hit my opponents and that’s what I love to do. So I would say it’s a mix.”
Do you model your game after any specific professional athlete?
“Not exactly. I actually watch a lot of games from the top 20 top 30 players as opposed to the top 10, because I believe they are doing most of the stuff that I can do. I really don’t think I can imitate players like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, but I can definitely learn from players who are in the top 50 because they are doing the same stuff, but not as good as the top 5. I really think I can look at people like Marcos Baghdatis and Steve Johnson and learn from them.”
What is your favorite memory while playing for pierce?
“It was actually my last match, I was playing a guy from Glendale College and there was some controversy. He was calling me names and he was given a couple of warnings and he was really instigating me throughout the match with every single point. It was a special match because I really had to win that match and I was in the right frame of mind. Nothing could effect me that day and I came out as a winner in two sets. So I was really happy about that match.”
What are some of your expectations for the team for the rest of the season?
“We are pretty much done with the season. We have four more matches, two away and two home, and then we have the qualifying event for the state championship. So I am just hoping everyone puts their heart into it. I really want everyone to fight for each and every point and I will respect what the result is. That’s all that matters, having the right attitude.”
Do you have a pre-game ritual?
“Yes, I shower twice before my match. That’s kind of funny. I don’t use water bottles, I just use the bottles that are provided from the coach because I don’t think it’s lucky when I am using my bottles. I use a towel in every match and between each and every point. And of course I plug in my headphones at the end of team meetings, during warm ups I try to stay away from everyone and listen to my music.”
