Thursday, December 28, 2006 Tennis phenom Sally eyes bigger challenges in ’07 By Marian C. Baring Sun.Star Correspondent
TWELVE-year-old tennis prodigy Sally Mae Siso hogged the headlines early this month for her impressive stint in the Malaysian Junior Tennis Circuit, where she qualified for the finals in all her events, losing only twice.
Before that, Siso, whose older siblings Niño and Sallydine are accomplished tennis players themselves, had already carved a niche in local competitions, as she sailed unbeaten in all her matches.
My Malaysian stint and in the Palarong Pambansa (Champion Girls tennis).
For this year, I won a total of 15 titles in national and local competitions. I won all the local competitions I joined. I have additional six gold medals from Malaysia.
What competitions did you falter in?
I won a silver in two doubles events in Malaysia and I only lasted until the second round during the International Children’s Games (ICG) in Thailand. I lost to a player from Greece in the ICG because it seemed she never got tired. Next time, I will study my opponent first before I push my attack.
So you still kept on winning when your father got sick?
During the Gullas Cup and Palaro, my father was already in the hospital. I still had good performances because they did not tell us why he was sick and how bad it was. I still won in the Palarong Pambansa last May, the same month my father died.
How did you know about your father’s situation?
After the Palaro, they told us one by one that he was dying. I didn’t believe at first I just bowed my head.
What is it about your father that you miss the most?
If we were playing out of town and he was at work, he always sent us a message or called to ask us what happened during the game, what we did good, what went wrong and how we could improve. When he got sick, it was Fr. Rey Talaugon who brought us to the venues, but my father would still send text messages.
Who took his place as your trainer?
Sir Bobby Soquiño and Coach Tope Mendoza of Sancase (San Carlos Seminary). Coach Tope coached Niño (her big brother) since he started. I sometimes train with 30 other kids who are members in our training pool.
You were the Filipino to win the most medals in Malaysia. Which match gave you a very hard time?
My singles finals in Langkawi with Korea’s Lee Daun because of the bad calls of the referees. In Langkawi, it seems the Koreans were the umpire because their calls got followed by the referee.
What happened to the doubles games in Malaysia when you settled for silver medals?
The first one was when I had a Malaysian for a partner. We already teamed up before that, but our teamwork was not that good yet. The other one was when I had a Korean partner. She kept on making mistakes in the finals, when we were facing a Korean pair. She did it on purpose. She hardly moved. During the second set, she made all the mistakes so I just stole her shots, I almost cried.
What is your plan for next year?
I will play in the 14-Under. I will strive harder because my opponents are stronger. I will play smart. I have to play in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) matches so I can gain points. And hopefully I can join more international competitions.
I still want to join the Malaysian leg and to sweep all legs. It’s challenging because the Korean players are good. I also hope to join the Arafura Games and the ICG for more exposure.
Plan for the future?
I want to play in the women’s open, to join the Philippine team. That’s why I want to gain ITF and ATP points.
How often do you practice?
Three times a week. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sometimes, there are priests who want to play with us.
Do you consider transferring to another country for further training?
There was a Malaysian coach who told us to get better, one has to sacrifice something. But I might neglect my studies. I want to finish school. School first before tennis and I also plan to study commerce in college.
You were offered a scholarship in Singapore. Are you considering it?
No because I’d be alone there, Things are good here in USC.
Aside from tennis, what other sport are you into?
I also play volleyball, basketball, billiards and I dance.
You are pretty strong for a 12-year-old, where does your strength come from?
My training. I do push-ups every morning and I run around the oval during the weekends.
What sacrifices have you made to be this good?
There’s none because I really love tennis. I practice everyday so I don’t watch TV. I seldom play. I will watch my diet starting now because I was told by a Korean that if I want to improve, I have to have discipline in my diet.
What is your daily routine?
The things that are in my mind—study and play tennis. After school, I will go home because our house is near the school. I will do my assignment and study, then practice.
Difference between you and brother Niño?
I go for the kill and I am aggressive. Kuya Niño uses his brains and seldom makes a mistake.
What do you do before a game?
I always think that I will win. I pray to my father and ask for his help. I always keep in mind the things that my father taught me.
Who do you look up to?
Serena Williams. I don’t like Sharapova because she has a bad attitude. I’ve always looked up to Serena.
