Q&A with Winners from the 40th Anniversary of the USGO

Q: In honor of Pride Month, why do you think it’s important to have a diverse representation within the tennis community? And in your opinion, how can we better bring together people of different identities and cultures through tennis?

A: Diversity in tennis is so important for growing the game and strengthening our communities. As someone who started playing USTA Leagues out of Golden Gate Park, I'm a firm believer in advocating for more publicly available tennis facilities with programming, events and partnerships with local community-based organizations. 

Q: What do you love most about playing doubles tennis? 

A: For me, doubles is fun because I get to think through strategies with my partner on the court. Thep (my doubles partner) and I were always communicating and encouraging each other no matter what the score was. I think that made the difference for us in some key moments.

Q: Do you have a role model who has inspired you in tennis and/or life?

A: One of my favorite tennis and life role models is Venus Williams. Her journey in dealing with discrimination, inequality and an autoimmune disease (all while in the public spotlight) is inspiring. I am always reminded to never give up and stick to my values whenever I think of her. Venus, on the off chance that you're reading this, I'm a huge fan and can't wait to see you on tour again!

Q: In honor of Pride Month, why do you think it’s important to have a diverse representation within the tennis community? And in your opinion, how can we better bring together people of different identities and cultures through tennis? ​

A: Tennis is a safe, fun sport and fairly easy to access by all types of races, ages, genders, sexual orientations and physical conditions (having a diverse representation within the tennis community). It is an inspiration for everyone who hesitates to get out of their comfort zone and overcome whatever they might fear. Diversity is also a symbol of tolerance, acceptance, learning and embracing each individual's identity. We should all support and encourage our differences in the most positive way. Promoting more recreational tournaments and events, participating in local tennis leagues and more funding support from the city, state and federal levels will definitely create more opportunities to bring people together and strengthen our tennis community.

Q: What do you love most about playing doubles tennis? Did you have a team mantra or motto?

A: ​That I don't have to run and cover the entire court myself? (Laughs) To me, doubles tennis is more fun, more creative and essentially, it's all about socialization and bonding. I really love when two or four players move so synchronized on the court as if they can read each other's minds. One can say that it is an art! I also like the fact that I have a friend to talk to, motivate and encourage before, after and throughout the match. My partner Gabe did that wonderfully. ​Every time I mishit or made unforced errors and I went "oh no" in a disappointing tone, Gabe came up to me and said "Good try, we'll get the next one." I felt relief and instantly moved on to the next point. I guess that could be considered our team mantra.

Q: Do you have a role model who has inspired you in tennis and/or life?

A:​ Great question. I do not have a role model in particular. I usually look up to everyone around me, whose individual strengths inspired me. I'm inspired by those of my tennis friends who always remind me to have fun and laugh when playing tennis, no matter whether you win or lose and how fortunate we are still in good health. You know who you are. In life, the first role models who come to mind are my parents, who exemplified hard-working, patience and being appreciative of what we have.  They played tennis together until their last day before my dad had a medical condition. This is my love letter to them.

A: I know it's not everyone's priority to have diverse representation, both in life and in tennis. For me, it feels essential. When I don't cultivate diversity, my world gets smaller and more constricted and I learn and grow less. Given the tennis community's classist, racist and homophobic history—and sometimes present, unfortunately— this issue of diverse representation is huge for the sport to keep living and growing. GLTF's motto that "Queer tennis is inclusive tennis," is incredibly profound for me. That the marginalized community includes the marginalizers as well is one of the healthiest spiritual principles I know of. Separatism and exclusion harm those who are perpetrating them.

Q: What does tennis mean to you?

A: It's huge in my life. I started playing again in 2011 just to branch out my social life and get some fresh air in the process. I love the study and practice of it. It truly can be meditative and so focusing. The fears I face in tennis competitions help fortify me to face other scary things in life. I love the rhythm of getting in shape for match play, and I love drill clinics and geeking out with others who like to study it too. I am super grateful for it!

A: Tennis becomes more exciting when you play against different people with different styles. It doesn't matter what your identity is or where you're from. Once you are on the court, a different language is spoken—that of lobs, drives, smashes, volleys and aces. I love playing tennis with people all around the world from different backgrounds and cultures. It's important to celebrate diversity in the tennis community because it cultivates productivity and unity and promotes inclusivity.  

Q: What do you love most about playing doubles tennis?

A: I love doubles tennis because it's similar to solving a riddle or a puzzle. It's not just about whacking the ball until someone makes an error. It's like a game of chess, wherein you can plot in advance and create plays to set up your partner, explore loopholes in the opponent's tactics, take advantage of court angles and try to win not just by strength or skill, but also by strategy.

Q: Did you have a team mantra or motto?

A: Not really, but whenever we are down 0-40, I always say "Deuce is coming!" and we eventually get there!

Q: In honor of Pride Month, why do you think it’s important to have a diverse representation within the tennis community? And in your opinion, how can we better bring together people of different identities and cultures through tennis?

A: The key word for me is “Community.” And the best example I have of that is in San Francisco, where I have experienced more of a gay tennis community than I ever have previously. There is fantastic leadership and a tight-knit network of players that are supportive of each other and friends off the court. Since tennis is competitive, and at times, a mentally grueling sport, I’ve seen instances where people don’t take the opportunity to get to know their opponents. So, it takes leadership and a community that is committed to coming together and supporting one another to create a diverse and inclusive environment. Additionally, while tennis has broad appeal, it can at times be hard to access. Either through expensive court fees, weather, etc., it helps being in San Francisco where there is a high number of public courts available and generally good weather year-round to organize meet-ups and be inclusive to all levels and people interested in participating.

Q: What does tennis mean to you?

A: Tennis has been a major part of my life since I was young. I started taking it seriously around age 10 with lessons and have been playing ever since. It has always been an escape for me. An arena where once I step onto the court, I can focus on competing and forget about whatever may be going on in my life. When I was growing up, one thing tennis allowed me to momentarily escape was being gay because of the guilt, loneliness and the otherness I felt for liking boys, which I thought was inherently wrong. In addition to being an escape, tennis is a passion and love of mine. I love competing and strategizing on the tennis court and the mental toughness it takes to rebound from your mistakes.

Q: In honor of Pride Month, why do you think it’s important to have a diverse representation within the tennis community? And in your opinion, how can we better bring together people of different identities and cultures through tennis?

A: There are so many types of tennis players out there and everyone has their own unique style (outfits and gameplay). You never know what type of opponent you’ll face on the court, so you have to be ready to accept everyone’s game. Just like in life. As a 6th-grade history teacher, I’m always promoting the message that everyone belongs. I have a pride flag in my classroom and when kids ask me about it, my response is that it means everyone is welcome here, regardless of what you look like, where you are from, how you identify or what skills you have. I think the same message crosses over to tennis in that tennis is for everybody too! No matter your age, ability or skill level, we all can play on center court. Tennis brings so many different types of people together for the love of the game. Plus, if you love-love or love-all, then you already know how to start a tennis match.

Q: Do you have a role model who has inspired you in tennis and/or life?

A: Definitely my mom Jeanne. She took me to the courts as a kid and spent countless hours feeding me balls, coaching me and driving me to tournaments, win or lose. She’s still my biggest cheerleader and comes to watch me play as an adult. She plays in multiple USTA leagues still and has a coveted gold ball from winning nationals with her women’s team. She continues to inspire me to play hard. And if mom can do it, then so can I with my men’s USTA team. That’s the goal for sure.