May 19, 2021
After a loss at the regional tournament ended her undefeated tennis season, junior Axelle Jacquemin bounced back and is on her way to represent Rider at state.
The Rider Chronicle sat down with Jacquemin to discuss her upcoming matches in San Antonio. The state tournament will start Thursday.
Q: How long have you been playing tennis?
A: I have been playing for about 13 years.
Q: What were your goals going into the school year?
A: My first was not to lose any matches, to play tennis my best as possible and go to state.
Q: How does it feel to be able to go to state?
A: Going to state is like a dream that is about to be realized, it feels unreal.
Q: What were some challenges you faced this season?
A: One challenge was the wind and heat, like always.
Q: You were undefeated for the majority of this season, did that motivate you in any way?
A: Being undefeated felt good. It boosts you up a bit. I did lose a match, but my opponent played very good and you can’t always win, and you also learn a lot from losing.
Q: How are you getting ready for state?
A: I have been practicing almost every day trying to fix some little mistakes, but not changing my game.
Q: What are your goals for when you get to state?
A: My goal is to play my best ever. Of course to win state too, but to earn it.
Q: What lessons, if any, has tennis taught you?
A: Tennis has taught me to be really patient because you can have a rally that can last a long time, and a game that can take up to 30 minutes.
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