AAPI Heritage Month: Diana and Zita Samuel Return to the Court to Honor Their Father’s Legacy

AUSTIN — For twins Diana and Zita Samuel, the journey from hitting tennis balls against a garage wall to competing on the national stage is more than a sports story; it is a testament to the equalizing power of the court and a father’s trailblazing vision.

Born to Indian immigrants in Texas, the sisters grew up as outliers in a sport known for its polished atmosphere and long-standing association with social clubs. Guided by their father—who discovered his love for the game in Calcutta—the twins navigated the ’70s and ’80s tennis circuit with a unique two-handed style and a focus that defied the era's cultural expectations for young Indian American girls.

After a 25-year hiatus to pursue medical careers and raise families, the sisters returned to the court together in 2018. Their comeback has been marked by a renewed sense of gratitude and a deep connection to their late father’s legacy.

Our Asian friends were often amazed that we were allowed to play competitively in tennis skirts.

Zita: We were among the few Indian players in our community playing at a national level. It was a new path, and people were mostly rooting for us.

USTA Texas: How did you navigate the "country club" culture of tennis back then?

Diana: Because we weren't from that background, people sometimes perceived us as being from a lower-income family. Girls at tournaments would actually bring us their old clothes in trash bags. It was very kind, but it made us aware of the differences.

Zita: Our parents instilled confidence in us. They told us, "You belong here, you put in the work." On the court, sports are a great equalizer. We felt equal to everyone else.

USTA Texas: You used a unique "two-handed" style on both sides. Why was that?

Zita: Because we were twins and always a bit small, our dad taught us a two-handed forehand and backhand to give us more power.

Diana: He was resourceful. If it rained, we’d practice hitting against the wall inside our garage or tossing balls in the living room.

USTA Texas: After 25 years away from the game, what brought you back in 2018?

Diana: We were raising tennis players of our own and getting our fix through them. Eventually, we got the "itch." We went to the court one night with our kids' coach, brought a bottle of champagne, and toasted our comeback.

Zita: It was humbling! That first season, we lost every single match. In one match on our 45th birthday, we were down 0-6, 0-5. We looked at each other and said, "We are so tired of losing." We actually came back to win that match.

USTA Texas: How do you view the game differently now than you did as children?

Diana: Every match, we look up to heaven and thank our dad. We feel so much gratitude that our bodies still work and that we get to do this together.

Zita: We’re spoiled because we get to play together as partners. It’s the best gift to take a break from our busy lives and just play.