CAVITE – A young tennis player from Imus City was recently recognized by the city government for bringing honor to the country through her achievements in two tennis tournaments in Malaysia in August.

Jana Jelena Nicole Diaz, 14, clinched the championship title at the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Asian 16 and Under Tournament in Ipoh, Perak, and secured the runner-up position in the ATF Asian 14 and Under Series (Grade A) in Selangor.

Photo courtesy of Jana Jelena Nicole Diaz (MANILA BULLETIN)

In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, the Grade 9 student shared how she prepared for the tennis competitions where she went head-to-head with players from other countries, including India, Japan, and Malaysia.

Photo courtesy of Jana Jelena Nicole Diaz (MANILA BULLETIN)

“In the day, I would go to the tennis court very early po kasi (because) I have to review, I have classes in the afternoon po,” Diaz said.

“In the morning, I would eat eggs, bananas, protein food, then we would go directly to the tennis court. Sa tennis court po, drills, rally or practice match. Kung hindi po ako makakapag-practice match, magko-conditioning po ako, which is cone drills tsaka jumping rope po (If I could not do practice match, I would do conditioning exercises, which is cone drills and jumping rope).”

Aside from the two recent tournaments in Malaysia, Diaz has previously competed in five other international tennis meets in Cambodia, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand.

Unwavering support from her parents

Diaz shared that tennis players from other countries usually arrive in delegations, which gives them an advantage when preparing for actual games.

“All of the players would have someone to rally with, tapos ako, nandun lang ako sa gilid, ang kapaluan ko, dingding (I would be in a corner, hitting the ball against a wall),” Diaz recalled, laughing.

Diaz got interested in tennis at a young age because her parents, Dong Marquez and Gina Diaz, also play tennis.

Up until her recent tournaments in Malaysia, the young tennis player's parents have been the ones supporting her financially throughout her regular training and participation in international tournaments, without help from the state or sports organizations.

“Nakakalungkot kasi maraming tennis players na magagaling. Nakakalungkot na walang suporta (It is saddening because there are a lot good tennis players. It is sad that there is no support),” Marquez said.

For the tennis competitions in Malaysia last August, Diaz's parents shelled out around P150,000 for airfare, lodging, food, and other expenses for the three of them. The family also spends an average of P10,000 per month for regular training.

Alongside financial support, Diaz's parents do what they can to inspire her to play her best.

“Before match, my dad would say, ‘Believe in yourself.’ And my mom would also support and say believe in myself. Thankful po ako kasi understanding sila (I’m thankful that they are understanding). After matches, they would give evaluation on my game, how I could improve,” Diaz said.

Photo courtesy of Jana Jelena Nicole Diaz (MANILA BULLETIN)

Echoing this sentiment, Diaz's father offered advice to parents of young athletes.

“Kung nakikita niyo 'yung anak niyo na may potential, and you have the capacity to support her, tuloy-tuloy lang. Meron ding enjoyment na nakukuha ang parents pagka nag-e-excel na 'yung anak n'yo (If you see that your child has potential and you have the capacity to support her, just be consistent. There is also enjoyment when you see that your child is excelling),” the proud dad shared.

Diaz is now preparing to participate in a two-week tournament in Malaysia in November, sponsored by Unified Tennis Philippines.