Action speaks louder than words

By Panchamee HEWAVISSENTI

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She doesn't need to be Zania Mirza or Anna Kournikova. She needs to be herself-Jithmie Jayawickrama. Because she believes that one day she would even beat them.The ebullient teenage tennis player bagged the National Women's Championship consecutively since 2005. She is basking in the glory of being the highest ITF ranked player in the country. She is only 19 and there's a lot of room for the improvement and to emerge to be better tennis player and to be the best.

Why did you think of taking to tennis rather than switching over to some other sport? Did you have any hope of being the national champion when you took up tennis?

My school gave me an opportunity to take part in a tournament at SLTA and I became a semifinalist and there I realized that I have the potential to go further in tennis. Then I started practising tennis and being the national champion is really an honour as well as one of my dreams coming true.

Did you play any other sport at school?

Yes, I did swimming but it didn't attract me more than tennis.

You are still schooling and how do you manage your academic work in balance with sport?

It's hard to balance both and obviously I have to give the priority to sport than studies. But I haven't dropped studies altogether. I somehow manage to do it because I should have a career plan when I retire from sport.

I'm studying at Bishop's College and studying in the commerce stream for London A/Ls. I managed to get through O/L and I believe that I will be able to get through A/Ls as well.

But A/Ls should not be viewed same as O/Ls. It requires hard work dedication and endurance. You are very much into sport and do you think that getting through A/L will be an easy challenge for you?

Jithmie Jayawickrama - the national tennis champion

I work hard to achieve my educational goals too. I'm supposed to sit for my A/Ls January next year. And since I'm underprepared for the exam due to several tournaments I have to postpone it to June.

What support do you get from your teachers and colleagues?

They are very supportive. They encourage me to go further in the sport as to excel in studies, but they grumble if I'm unable to finish assignments.

My friends too verbally encourage me with my sport ability though they have little knowledge on the game. But they watch my matches and give the much needed morale support.

How about your practice sessions?

I practise six days a week. If it's not a holiday, I practise in the morning and then go to school and again go for practices in the evening.

And if it's a holiday I practise throughout the day.

Don't you feel hard pressed when you practise? Because usually when you are after school don't you feel unfit to play?

No, I don't feel unfit and I'm accustomed to it since I started playing when I was small. It's bit tiring too because I have to play, travel and to study. I have to endure that and can't give up just because I'm feeling tired.

Who is your coach? Ganendra Siriwardene

Tell us about your relationship with your parents and their involvement in your development as player?

My parents play the key role in my life. I have a very good relationship with my parents and I enjoy their love as the only child. We lead a normal life pattern in Moratuwa. We are very happy go family and couldn't be any better.

Have you got a sponsor?

Yes, but it's not so sufficient for me to take part in international tournament. It doesn't even cover my preliminary expenses.

Have you tried for another sponsorship?

I have made a move, but I haven't got any response hitherto.

Don't you think that not having a good sponsorship is a hindrance for your future Sport career?

Yes. Because sometimes I face financial deadlocks. If I get a good sponsorship I think I'll be better off with my sports.

What's your best tennis memory so far?

I have a lot of good tennis memories. So I don't think it's fair to point out one in particular. Doubtlessly the winning moments are the ones which keep me in the seventh heaven.

Actually winning the National Championship title for the first time gave me shocking memory.

Ok, then what's your worst tennis memory?

Fortunately I haven't yet gone through any traumatic experience in tennis, but I hope and pray that I will never encounter a mishap in my tennis career.....

How do you stay positive?

It's not a big deal as such. I know I play well. So it's just a matter of calibre and deep passion for sports and the results would indicate it.

You have become the national champion for several times. It explicitly shows that you have an uncanny ability to track down balls and never give up. Can this kind of passion for returning balls be taught or do you have to be born with it? Most players fight but not with intensity. Where does this fire come from?

To answer the first question, I think both. You have to have the innate talent for the game; above all the good practice makes one perfect.

I think you have to fight for every ball. There is always a chance to win.

I run for every ball. It's not an easy thing but also I observe while playing how my opponent runs for every ball.

That fire when in the game comes from the desire to win as I believe.

How do you assess the opponent while being in the game?

It's hard to tackle both the ball and the opponent's reaction. As I said earlier, I keep an eye on the opponent's way of playing whether there are special techniques she is employing in tackling the ball etc.

I have my own game plan. It's hard to change it while playing. But I gather things and learn a lot while playing.

Do you train your energy on your legs rather than arms? Because today's international players rely more on their powerful legs?

We have to be practical and controlled. And a good tennis player's ball senses and anticipation are of a high standard. My coach guides me on what works for me best.

Are you planning to bring any changes to your game? Or may be changes in your approach to it?

I will be working on all aspects of my game as I must continue to improve. If you stay at the same level, all the other players get better and you fall behind. I go on the court and play my best tennis, I just want to put all what I do in practice.

What do you think are the barriers for any sportsman in Sri Lanka?

Unlike other countries, Sri Lanka doesn't have facilities to balance studies while being involved in a sport. Some countries have night schools so that sports people can play in the afternoon and study at night are with a fine to balance in both sport and studies.

And also the training facilities are not enough. With better facilities, tennis would get necessary impetus in the country.

I have frequently seen that, Sri Lankan sportsmen are practising hard only when a tournament is coming up.....

Yes that's true. And I think Sri Lanka has a lot of capable players in every sport. If they are given proper guidance with other assistance they will excel in that particular sport.

Have you got any overseas training?

Yes, I took part in the Australian Open Training Camp in Bangkok in 2004 and a two-week training programme sponsored by the Margaret Court Foundation, in Perth, Australia in 2006.

Do you have any particular dietary system?

I focus on the dietary system only when I'm playing a tournament. Otherwise it's hard for me to observe that system throughout since it costs a lot. If I'm to follow a proper dietary system it costs around Rs. 20,000 a month only for the diet. And with the insufficient sponsorship I find it difficult to stick to a proper dietary programme.

Do you want to be a professional tennis player one day?

The transition from present stage to professional will be tough. I have to study and do a job if tennis doesn't work out as a career.

What are your tennis goals?

My biggest goal is to compete in international events and bring honour to my country. And also to fall between the top 100 in the WTA (World Tennis Association) rankings. It's one of my hopes to compete in the Grand Slam events.