A different ball game

Angelique Widjaja, the first Indonesian to win the junior girls trophy at Wimbledon, in town for the WTA, speaks of her game, hopes and of course Sania Mirza.

NET GAINS: Angelique Widjaja is determined to take Indonesian tennis to new heights. — Photo: K. Ramesh Babu

INDONESIA. IT is the country known for some of the legendary names in badminton over the years including Rudy Hartono and Liem Swie King.

The destination of some of the best shuttlers over the years has been this land of mystique where they go to fine-tune their game in a highly competitive domestic circuit.

The likes of Angelique Widjaja, however are determined to choose a different route and write a new script by taking Indonesian tennis to heights that have hitherto not been scaled.

Incidentally, she is the first Indonesian to win a title in the prestigious Wimbledon by picking the junior girls trophy.

"We are aware of Indonesia's wonderful history in badminton. But, I do feel that it is not the same anymore. Slowly, tennis is catching up with the youngsters," says 19-year-old Widjaja, taking a break during the WTA Indian Open tennis championship in Hyderabad here. "I took up tennis primarily because of my brothers who were good players on the domestic circuit," she says to a query.

The diminutive player, who shot into limelight by becoming one of the youngest to win the WTA titles at the age of 16 and more importantly on her debut, is happy with her career- graph. "Obviously, my next big tournaments including Doha, Dubai, Indiana Wells and Miami Open will give me a fair hint of my chances of breaking into the elite group stand," the Indonesian pointed out.

It is not very often that an Asian woman player arrests the imagination of the experts in the sport in the Western countries. But, the 5'8'' Widjaja has proved that she is the one to look out for by winning the Junior Wimbledon championship in 2001 defeating Safina, Marat Safin's sister.

"That was a splendid surprise. And, it really provided the impetus to me," she recalls with a broad smile.

On her plans to improve her game and ranking in the coming months, Widjaja makes an interesting observation, "I strongly believe that one learns a lot by playing more tournaments than by merely practising for hours together."

Her training schedule includes three hours of tennis daily when she is at home in Indonesia. She makes it a point to acknowledge her coach's contribution for her steady progress on the WTA circuit.

"Deddy has been coaching me for more than nine years now. And he gives more than 100 per cent for my success," she said.

Apparently pleased that the WTA Tour event has come to India, Widjaja like any other Asian strongly believes and hopes that more and more WTA events will be held in this continent. "It is good for Asian tennis if that happens," she said.

Though she is optimistic of Indonesia producing many more promising youngsters in tennis, she also points out the grim reality that after her, there is no other player to break into the world circuit. "There is, however, plenty of talent. All that is needed is to ensure exposure and proper guidance," she added.

Reflecting on the world tennis scenario clearly dominated by the Williams Sisters, Widjaja, winner of two WTA singles and a doubles title, feels that there is nothing surprising in that. "The Williams are a level above the rest of the players in WTA circuit,'' she said honestly. Elaborating further, the Indonesian girl said the sisters represent sheer power and immense talent.

The focus towards the end of the debate is on her opinion on Hyderabad's most favourite tennis player - Sania Mirza. "Well, honestly we were together in the ITF junior circuit and have never played against each other. It is always good to see an Asian break into the circuit," was her frank observation.

One thing that is for sure is Widjaja is clearly enjoying the hospitality in Hyderabad and the excellent facilities for the WTA Open here. Her hobby? "To spend time at home with my family. And I am not really able to do that," Widjaja says. Amazing but true, this Indonesian doesn't have any childhood idols who inspired her to take up the game. "Well, even now I have no favourites honestly," she concluded.

V. V. SUBRAHMANYAM

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