Q&A With Martina Pavelec
12/8/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Dec. 8, 2010
This article was originally published in the Nov. 20 edition of Kickoff, the official gameday publication of Wake Forest football.
Q: You grew up in Germany, how did you end up playing tennis at Wake Forest?
A: After high school in Germany, I just played tennis for a year and then I was hurt for a year, so I was out of school for two years. I decided that I really wanted to go to college, so I emailed a few schools, and (former Wake Forest head coach) Chad Skorupka came to Germany and visited me. We got along really well, so that's how I ended up here. I had never been to the U.S. before I got here, so that was a fun experience. I'd heard really good things about Wake from friends.
Q: How hard was it to adjust to life in the United States?
A: Before I came, I never thought it would be such a big difference. The people and the mentality is different along with small things like food. It's different, but I like it.
Q: What is your favorite things about tennis?
A: I like that every match is different. It always depends on your opponent and what they allow you to do.
Q: How did you start playing tennis?
A: I was about four or five years old, and I started because both of my parents play. Actually, my dad is a coach, and my mom also teaches tennis. They basically made me play when I was young.
Q: College tennis is different than almost any other level of tennis because of the team aspect. Do you like having the opportunity to play on a team?
A: Definitely. It's nice that there is always someone there supporting you. It's definitely different from traveling by yourself and playing tournaments. I really like it. I get along with everyone on the team, so it's a good atmosphere.
Q: What is your favorite tennis memory?
A: I guess winning the German 16 and Under Indoor Championship. That was kind of nice. I also made the finals of a 25k in Germany a couple years back. That was the year that I took off to just play tennis.
Q: What is your major and what are your plans for after college?
A: I'm a double major in communication and economics. I have no idea what I want to do after I leave Wake Forest. I have some things in mind, but they go in so many different directions. I'm not even sure whether I want to go back to Europe or stay here. I guess I have to figure that out at some point.
Q: You are ranked No. 36 in the country in singles and were named to the All-ACC Team last year. What are some of your individual goals for the season and how do you handle the challenge of playing at the top of the lineup?
A: I definitely want to do well and win as many matches as possible. Playing No. 1 is tough sometimes. There are some really good players out there. I want to try to improve and work on my game so I can get some good wins.
Q: The team just finished up its fall season. How do you think it went?
A: We didn't have too many tournaments. We only played three as a team in addition to the ITA All-American Championships, but I think it went pretty well. Our last tournament, the WFU Invitational, was really good. I think our doubles improved, which was a positive thing.
Q: What is the team's goal for the upcoming dual match season?
A: Making the NCAA Tournament is definitely one of my goals. I'd like to make it as a team and individually in singles. That would be amazing. It won't be easy because we have a really tough conference, but I hope we'll do well.
Q: What is the difference between playing tournaments on the circuit and playing college tennis?
A: The style that a lot of girls play is different. There are a few more pushers in college. The girls on the circuit were a little bit more aggressive. They would do more to win the point rather than waiting for the other person to miss.