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Yaya Wang Promo Photo
Rochester Athletics

How I Got Started - Yaya Wang

4/1/2021 3:00:00 PM

INTRODUCTION: Yaya Wang developed a skill for doubles play, especially at the net. She uses doubles to analyze her opponent and set her strategy for the upcoming singles match against the same foe.


When did you first become involved in tennis?
So I started to play tennis when I was in the second grade of elementary school in China. Several professional coaches came to our school during lunch break to find suitable children and provide free training, I was chosen and joined the program. I stayed in that program for many years and got to know a lot of goods coaches and teammates. 
 
What attracted you to it?
Back then, tennis was not a popular sport in China. In the beginning, I felt it was new and interesting to play. After that, I was gradually attracted by the complicated strategies that can be used in tennis matches, and I could learn something new in every match.  It was also because I was in poor health when I was little, and my family hoped that I could do more exercises to strengthen my health. 
 
Where did you play in Flushing before you enrolled at Manhasset HS on Long Island?
When I first came to the United States, I joined the summer campus and took some private lessons at the US Open which is very close to Flushing.
 
Did you play any matches at the Port Washington Tennis Academy?
No, but I did play few matches at the NYJTL (New York Junior Tennis & Learning) and was selected for their free summer camp before high school.
Yaya Wang 
Were you ever able to attend the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows? What was that environment like? (Ed. Note – The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has been the home of the U.S. Open Grand Slam Tennis Tournament since 1976. It was dedicated to honor Ms. King in 2006.)
I did join US Open's summer camp when I was in middle school and met many excellent coaches there, they did have so many talented players and competitive matches on the weekend. I have seen a great environment between the players and the coach. I met a great coach there and hit with him for the next 3 years.
 
When you were learning to play tennis, what was the easiest part to master?
 I started playing tennis when I was 7 in Dalian, China. When I first learned tennis, I spent most of my time on groundstrokes. Therefore, I have a good fundamental in both forehand and backhand strokes.
 
And what was the toughest part to master? How did you eventually accomplish that?
The hardest part for me is the volley at the net. When I first came to Rochester, I basically had no experience in doubles. I had a great lack of confidence and felt afraid in my freshman year. But I believe in tennis, practice makes perfect. Through a lot of training and match experience through the past few years, I could see a huge improvement in my doubles game and volley skills.
 
When you play the same opponent in doubles and singles, do you pick up any tips about the opponent in doubles that you can use in a singles match against them?
The first thing I can find out in the doubles game is the opponent's serve. Knowing that will be very helpful for the later singles match. When you know which angle she likes to serve to, how fast, and the direction of the spin she likes to put on her serves, you can use this information to better prepare for a singles match.
  
What led you to the University of Rochester?
 I always wanted to find a small private school like Rochester where students could have more chances to get to know the professors and coaches. The University of Rochester overall has a very warm atmosphere and the River Campus is very concentrated, which makes me feel very safe and sweet.
 
I first connected with Coach (Matt) Nielsen through email(during the recruiting process). His enthusiasm and sense of responsibility impressed me before I decided to apply for U of R. I came for a visit in the fall of my senior year in high school, I can feel players on the team are close to one another, and the practice is well planned.  
 
You have a double major in Business and Economics. Why does that appeal to you?
I like Economics because I think it gives you a special perspective on how you look at things. I think it is fun to learn how to use logic and reason to analyze the reasons behind situations.  
 
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