Ten Questions with Newcomer to Watch Tamira Paszek
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Dec 18, 2007 | Print
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Tamira Paszek stormed onto the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tennis scene in 2007, skyrocketing from No. 181 at the start of the season to No. 35 by July.
Paszek, currently the youngest player in the top 280, scored wins over former top 10 players Patty Schnyder and Elena Dementieva during 2007, and even pushed Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin into close, three-set encounters.
Just before her season ended in October, I caught up with Tamira to talk about her spectacular season and her plans for 2008.
How would you describe your game and your personality to tennis fans who are not yet familiar with your career on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour?
On court, I am an aggressive player always trying to stay focused, to fight and to give my best on the court. Off court, I am a friendly, open minded, happy and a positive thinking person.
Which surface would you consider your best?
I like all 4 surfaces! As long as it is a tennis court it doesn’t matter!
You reached the fourth round at both Wimbledon and the US Open. Which finish was the most meaningful to you?
Both of these tournaments were a great experience for me . . I had a lot of great matches in Wimbledon as well as at the US Open.
Austria is a small nation, yet it currently has two players inside the top 50. What does this say about tennis’ popularity in your country?
It is great for Austria! During the last 2 years you could see that tennis is getting more popular again and the younger upcoming players are more motivated again.
Apart from the increase in prize money and ranking points, what is the biggest difference between playing in an ITF circuit and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event
There are many new things you have to learn. You need to play more constant and control the ball.
You skyrocketed up the rankings in 2007, after beginning the season barely within the top 200. How do you hope to maintain the momentum next year?
It was for sure an amazing year for me. I gave my debut on the WTA Tour in Linz 2005, but this was my first real year. I will try to improve my game and will continue to learn and get more confident match by match.
Do you have any particular goals for the 2008 season?
As I mentioned before health permitting - keep working hard, improve my game day by day with positive energy and a smile on my face!
If you were not a professional tennis player, what career would you have chosen?
When I was small my biggest dream was to become a veterinary doctor, but I if I had to choose now, I would definitely do something with fashion or music.
When you are not traveling on the Tour, how do you like to spend your time?
I love spending time with my family and friends. Enjoying movies, music, reading books, cooking and shopping.
In a few months, the 2008 Summer Olympics will begin in Beijing. Can you describe what it would be like to play for your country in such a monumental event?
Well, I think it is one of the biggest dreams for every sportsman to participate in the Olympic games. Beijing is for sure my big goal for next year and I am really looking forward to it!!!
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