Interview, Sport

Dayana Yastremska: Big tennis is a game for those who aren’t afraid of challenges

March 4, 2024

Tennis is like a social network where everyone embraces a healthy lifestyle. You can engage in this sport anywhere. It brings you in contact with many affluent individuals. Playing tennis is accessible worldwide, and organizing a match is easier compared to, say, soccer, as it doesn’t require a team. What makes it unique is the ability to play on clay, grass, or concrete courts.

We had a conversation with the outstanding Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska about the nature of this sport. We discussed topics such as selecting rackets and equipment, and what one should be prepared for when starting to play tennis.

Diana Yastremska, a rising Ukrainian tennis star, gained recognition for her notable achievements. She reached the Wimbledon girls’ singles final and the Australian Open 2016 doubles final. Her breakthrough on the WTA circuit came in 2016, leading to her first victory at the Istanbul Cup in 2017. In July 2018, she became the first tennis player born in the 2000s to break into the top 100 rankings. On October 14, 2018, Dayana Yastremska secured her first WTA title at the Hong Kong Tennis Open, and she currently holds four WTA titles. She reached the junior Wimbledon final and achieved a career-high ranking of 21 in the world. Notably, Yastremska is the first Ukrainian tennis player to reach the Australian Open semifinals.

How to start playing big tennis?

Tennis is not limited by age; you can start learning and playing the sport at almost any age. If you envision your child pursuing tennis professionally, consider enrolling them in a sports program as early as possible.

Crucial point: approach the selection of a coach with great seriousness. A good coach should understand the need to gradually introduce a child to the game through various developmental exercises. During the initial 3-4 years, it’s advisable not to burden the child with all the nuances of tennis rules. Only a specialist can identify strengths and weaknesses, recommend working on specific muscles, and perhaps engaging in another sport for a while to achieve that.

What should one be prepared for when getting into big tennis?

With significant expenses! Quality tennis gear comes at a price. However, sacrificing your comfort to save on a good sports outfit is not advisable, as it will impact the quality of your game.

And be prepared for significant challenges! Like any other sport, big tennis demands immense patience. If it were easy, everyone would be a professional athlete. Don’t expect to become an advanced player after your initial attempts at the game. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. But over time, you’ll see a drastic improvement in your results.

Persistence is key, especially in aggressive play when you need to swiftly break through the opponent’s positional defense. This applies to training sessions as well, where you must quickly enhance your performance in various game modes.

Train your attentiveness. This attribute contributes significantly to victory because every player has their weak spots. When you keenly identify them, victory is assuredly yours.

The initial hard work will pay off handsomely over time.

What types of tennis rackets are there, and how do they differ?

For me, the best one is Yonex, a Japanese brand. I’ve been playing with it since I was 11. It’s one of those rackets that boasts high-tech design. It practically eliminates vibrations in the hand. They come in various weights; pros play with rackets weighing as much as 300 grams. There are attacking rackets, defensive ones, and hybrids.

How to choose a racket for a child or teenager?

Selecting the right racket for your child is quite straightforward. The primary criterion for selecting a racket for a child is their height. The length of the racket, when extended along the arm beside the leg, should not touch the ground. Additionally, the child’s palm should fully grip the handle.

However, if this is your first racket purchase, it’s advisable to consult with a coach to ensure the best fit.

When looking at companies that produce rackets, which ones should I pay attention to?

For me, the safest and most practical racket is Yonex. I perceive it as an extension of my hand, and its precision surpasses other brands.

Moreover, Yonex offers a range of rackets with different weights, catering to various playing styles. Whether you’re an aggressive player, a defensive strategist, or somewhere in between, Yonex provides options that suit different preferences. The brand’s commitment to innovation and quality has consistently made it my top choice on the court.

What rackets do you have and why do you like them?

I have a professional racket, the Percept model. It can be challenging for amateurs to play with; precise footwork and experience are necessary. Alternatively, a Yonex recreational racket could be a perfect choice for enthusiasts. They also offer child-sized versions that are lighter and smaller. My racket is all about speed.

We’ve selected the top 5 tennis rackets for big tennis

LARSEN JR 2500

This model is well-suited for beginners who may find heavy equipment challenging to handle. It ensures a quick swing and excellent ball control during play, featuring a 723-square-centimeter string bed. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, it weighs 305 grams and comes at a relatively affordable price.

Advantages:

Good ball control.
Easy to swing.
Lightweight.
Optimal cost.

Drawback:

With active use, the strings tend to stretch quickly, requiring frequent adjustments to maintain optimal performance.

YONEX RQ IS TOUR

This is a case where even professionals in competitions use a regular amateur racket. It is designed to provide comfort for beginners, featuring a neutral balance that allows for consistent results with regular use. The player can choose the pace of the game and the intensity of the hits according to their needs and preferred playing technique.

Advantages:

Optimal balance.
Very good maneuverability due to design features and lightweight.
Vibration dampening, positively affecting precision and reducing player fatigue during matches.

Drawbacks:

One of the more expensive models in the ranking.
Due to its high popularity, there is often the risk of encountering counterfeit products, so extra caution is needed when making a purchase.

WILSON BLADE 101L V7.0

This model is optimal for young players and individuals of middle age. It is lightweight (only 272 grams), comfortable, and effectively absorbs vibrations generated during the game. This helps enhance control without the need to exert excessive force for a hit.

Advantages:

Utilizes FeelFlex technology, ensuring the racket’s lightweight nature and player control.
High precision level achieved through a balanced combination of features.
With this racket, beginners can achieve performance levels effortlessly, similar to professionals.

Drawback:

Due to its lightweight and high maneuverability, it may not be suitable for professional athletes with well-established playing styles.

HEAD CRAPHENE TOUCH SPEED ADAPTIVE

This option is suitable for both professionals and individuals with intermediate skills. Its distinctive feature is a high level of vibration absorption, making the game exceptionally comfortable. There’s an option to independently change the string formula, and it comes with an additional tip for increasing the handle’s weight.

Advantages:

Unique “graphene” feature for vibration absorption.
Self-adjustable handle length, weight, and string configuration.
The racket is comfortable and easy to handle.

Drawback:

For beginners, the racket may be too heavy and overloaded with functionality.

WILSON BLX PRO STAFF SIX. ONE 95

This type of racket is well-suited for both novice players and experienced tennis enthusiasts. It provides an optimal balance between control and power in strokes. Thanks to a well-balanced string tension, it allows for effective spin shots. The weight of the racket is 314 grams.