Friday, May 09, 2008 RP’s top two form formidable pair in doubles By Rachel Chloe Palang UP Mass Comm Intern
THE one-two punch of RP singles, Johnny Arcilla and Patrick James Tierro, are a menacing sight on the other side of the court.
Together in doubles, they pose an even formidable pair.
In their first game of the doubles competiton in the Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Open, the pair only needed 38 minutes to win in the first round.
Arcilla is the current No. 1, while the 22-year-old Tierro is the No. 2 in the country.
Sun.Star Cebu caught up with the two top players during a break in the action in the Cebuana Lhuillier Open.
Q: How does it feel to be the No. 1 in tennis? Are there any pressures and insecurities?
Arcilla (A): Yes, there’s pressure. The pressure to win. The pressure never to lose since you are considered the best.
Q: What is your secret to success?
A: Practice and training. I practice everyday from Monday to Friday morning and afternoon. Sometimes, Tierro and I train together.
Q: Do you have any rituals that amp your game before you play in court?
A: Music. I listen to Rhythm and Blues before playing in court to lose some of the pressure.
Q: Do you have any lucky items that help you win matches?
A: My lucky racket since it’s very comfortable.
Q: Have you ever been badly injured?
A: I was actually injured during a tournament in Manila less than a week ago. I
pulled a hamstring. Running makes it hurt a lot. I’m not really playing my 100 percent because of my injury. The doctor said it would take three weeks to recover but I wanted to play anyway. Bahala na.
Q: Who are your tennis idols?
A: Before, it was (Andre) Agassi. Now, its (Novak) Djokovic. I like their attitude in court. Their heads are always held high. They’re not afraid.
Q: What are the benefits of playing tennis?
A: Scholarships and sponsors. I get to wear Nike and there’s also a good income with tennis.
Q: How has tennis changed your life?
A: I bought a house and car for myself. It’s what I worked hard for in tennis.
Q: Do you think the Philippines has a shot at winning International tennis tournaments?
A: Of course, as long as there’s support.
Q: When did you feel happiest in your tennis career?
A: When I won a match against Tierro last November and also getting a gold medal with Tierro during a doubles tournament in the SEA Games.
Q: Do you have any achievements other than tennis?
A: Drag Racing. It’s what I do after being burnt out from playing tennis.
Q: What do you plan to do after retiring from your career?
A: My plan is to build a tennis academy for kids here in the Philippines. It’s also my way of helping people here who like to play.
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Meanwhile, the second seeded Tierro , 22, started playing tennis at eight and aside from playing for the national team, he is also studying at De La Salle University.
Q: Was tennis a childhood dream?
Tierro (T): Yes, at the start it was about having fun but after a while, it got competitive.
Q: How does it feel to be dubbed one of the best in tennis? Do you ever feel insecure at times or pressured?
T: Of course it feels good but it’s hard when you’re playing tournaments because you might lose…there’s a bit more pressure on you.
Q: What is your secret to success?
T: Discipline. And the most important thing is you have to enjoy it. Even though it’s hard work, I enjoy it (tennis).
Q: What’s your most embarrassing tennis moment?
T: Every time you lose is embarrassing. Especially when you lose a blow out match.
Q: How do you cope with losses?
T: Whenever you lose, there has to be a lesson learned. Don’t feel down…practice more so you’ll be successful next time.
Q: Do you have any rituals that amp up your game before you play in court?
T: I just listen to my I-pod before the match while I do some warm-ups.
Q: Who is your tennis idol?
T: Roger Federer. I think everybody idolizes him.
Q: What are the benefits of being a top tennis player?
T:You get more girls? Just kidding. You get a 100 percent scholarship in school and you get to go to a lot of places for free.
Q: How has tennis changed your perspective in life?
T: You become more mature and you learn to be disciplined. I’m still studying in La Salle so I have to train and study not just bum around the whole time.
Q: When did you feel happiest in your tennis career?
T: Every time I step in the court, I’m happy.
Q: What are your plans after retiring from tennis?
T: I might start a business related to sports and build a tennis court for players here in the Philippines.
Q: What is your advice for those who want to be like you someday?
T: Set your priorities…know what you really want to do. Make sacrifices but the bottom line is, you just have to enjoy it.
