Travel Tournament Experiences

In September of 2023, I was invited by my coach to represent the USA in an international tournament located in Japan, named the Senko Cup. When my mom brought up the idea of me going, I was completely against the notion of having to fly alone to the other side of the world and feel the pressures of representing my own country. The surface I’d be playing on throughout this tournament was clay, which I had only played on a couple of times, so I’d be entering this tournament with barely any experience on how to play on clay courts. After many long arguments with my mom and coach, I decided to take on the opportunity and play tennis for the United States team. I’d always wanted to experience travel tournaments and meeting new people from across the world, which is exactly what happened to me in Yamanashi, Japan. On the 16th of September, I met my team at LAX, and we flew into Tokyo, Japan, together. I was honestly completely petrified of the week ahead of me and the pressures I’d be enduring.  

Once our flight landed, we were told that we’d have to wait at the airport for 5 hours for Team Australia to arrive. This was a great opportunity to get closer to the people on my team, and I got to know them very well because of this. Our first day at the tournament 

was nerve-wracking. I was the youngest on the team, which added an extra layer of challenge, not just in terms of gameplay but in integrating socially with my peers, who were more experienced and mature. I was partnered up with a girl from the Philippines to be my doubles partner, so I’d be playing with a girl I knew nothing about and had no idea of her playing strategies. Communicating and strategizing with her, despite our cultural and language differences, taught me the importance of patience and adaptability.

My first singles match provided my team their first point and led me to realize that this whole experience might not be as bad as I thought. The thrill of victory was indescribable, but it wasn't just about winning. Losing matches was equally formative, teaching me resilience and the value of reflecting on my mistakes to improve. The emotional rollercoaster of the tournament was intense, from the low points of defeat, where I had to muster the strength to keep fighting and learn from each loss, to the euphoria of winning, which was a testament to our hard work and dedication. 

The moment of lifting the medal on stage for the US was surreal. It was a culmination of not just my effort but the collective spirit of the team. The weight of the medal was heavy in a physical sense, but it also carried the weight of our journey, the challenges overcome, and the shared experiences that bonded us. It was a proud moment, not just for me but for everyone who had supported us along the way. 

Throughout this week, I learned to be willing to take up any unique experience given to me and how to persevere through any situation, which allowed me to win first place in the girls U14’s. Alongside this, I made many new friends from many different countries, which was another factor this trip was so great. The victory was sweet, but the journey,  with its ups and downs, was what truly made this experience unforgettable. I’m very grateful for this opportunity givento me, and this week in September will always be one to remember.