Rana Shahani ’16 is a member of the Ridge Boys Tennis team.
Tennis is usually played with an individual playing against a single opponent (singles), or teams of two playing against each other (doubles). Shahani plays doubles on the varsity team.
Sarah John: When did you start playing tennis? And how did you know this was the sport for you?
Rana Shahani: I have been playing tennis since I was roughly six years old. At the time, I was balancing the sport among a plethora of other ones including soccer, baseball, and swimming. However, as I slowly got older, I started to realize that I loved tennis. I knew I had to choose one in order to fully achieve the goals I had in mind for myself.
SJ: How much time do you spending practicing a week?
RS: During the high school tennis season, we practice every day, Monday-Friday, starting right after school. In addition, I normally play at least once a week during offseason, and during the summer, you can expect to see me on the courts every day if weather permits!
SJ: Who is your tennis hero or idol? And why do they inspire you?
RS: I personally favor Rafael Nadal. Just watching him is amazing, considering the grit and effort he puts into every point and every shot. It just goes to show that you can never give up on the point until it’s actually over!
SJ: What is an aspect that is unique to tennis as a sport?
RS: Tennis is one of those few sports that has both a team and individual aspect to it. I like that I can rely only on myself, so when I make a mistake, there’s no one else to blame but myself! Of course I occasionally will find something else to blame if I can, like the wind.
SJ: When are you the most nervous when playing a game?
RS: Probably before starting the game. But once I get into it, it’s truly bliss. The intensity of playing a sport that you love is incomparable to any other feeling in the world.
SJ: Do you have any pre-game rituals you follow?
RS: To be honest, I’m EXTREMELY superstitious. I make sure that I have two water bottles for each match, I like to have three tennis racquets in case the strings on one breaks, and I make sure that I wear certain shorts and shirts on days.
SJ: How do you balance playing a sport, and school work? Do you have to make any sacrifices?
RS: I think balancing both tennis and school works has worked out quite well. Once tennis practice ends, I head straight home, take a shower, and then hit the books. Having sports after school almost forces you to become much more efficient when it comes to how you utilize your time.
SJ: What is your favorite part about playing on the school team?
RS: The team in general is just great. Being around both teachers and guys who love the sport who I can talk to about tennis is awesome!
SJ: What has been one of your greatest disappointments as an athlete?
RS: My greatest disappointment was probably when I lost my first USTA match. It was definitely a humbling experience, and helped me realize that it’s not as easy as we think it to be.
SJ: What would you consider your biggest tennis success to be?
RS: My biggest tennis success, was probably winning a tennis tournament in which my sister won another division as well. I’ve won a few tournaments here and there, but after working with my sister and watching her succeed after all my advice was really sweet. Not only had I won personally, but as a coach, I got to someone who I’d coached succeed as well.
SJ: What other sports are you interested in besides tennis?
RS: I love playing ping-pong, soccer, basketball, football, and swimming. For me, summer is always fantastic considering the sizeable time I have to do all of the aforementioned.
SJ: Do you see yourself continuing to play tennis in the future?
RS: Of course. While I probably won’t play college tennis, I would definitely relish the opportunity to play here and there.
SJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
RS: Probably in college or graduated, and most definitely, playing tennis!
The Ridge Tennis team has done well in past seasons. Support Ridge Tennis and Rana Shahani this spring season as they pursue the district title.