Alicia Pillay’s childhood dream was to represent South Africa at the Olympics. She was nominated for the 2004 Olympics, but as Alicia tells us, due to “the ridiculously high cut of 70”, South Africa was not represented.
This time around, injury is threatening to ruin the 27-year-old’s Olympic dream.
But South Africa’s 8th ranked women’s player is not allowing negatives thoughts to cloud her vision, and is instead working hard on a comeback, which could happen as soon as 2008.
This aggressive baseliner whose tennis idol is Steffi Graf hopes to be back playing competitively soon, and she has her eyes set on representing South Africa at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Previously, Alicia represented South Africa at the Seventh All-Africa Games (winners of Woman’s Team Event Gold), and was a member of South African Women’s Fed Cup Team in 1999.
This spunky, passionate South African loves tennis, and says individual sport brings out the best in her.
gsport wishes Alicia well as she recovers from injury and we look forward to seeing her back in action for South Africa soon.
Introducing June’s gSTAR, comeback kid, Alicia Pillay!
When did you start playing tennis?
Due to playing other sports, I only started playing tennis at the age of ten, which is rather late for a tennis player…
Why do you love tennis?
I have a passion for sport, but I especially love tennis, because it is a very individual sport, so I believe it brings out the best in me!
Where are you based?
I am currently based in the United States.
What are your tennis commitments currently?
Well due to a shoulder injury, I have not been playing much, thus my ranking has taken a toll. Hopefully, I will be back playing competitively soon.
How did you pick up the injury?
My labrum is torn in my right shoulder, and that is from overuse, I believe it is a mixture of playing a lot at university as well as on the tour.
Do you still represent South Africa in tournaments?
Yes, I do.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
Oh my gosh, I have won so my titles that have been sentimental to me personally.
If I had to chose one, I would probably say winning the SA Inaugural Woman’s Slazenger Senior Open Tournament in 1995. It was my birthday present to myself, as I turned 16 that day☺
If I had to chose one, I would probably say winning the SA Inaugural Woman’s Slazenger Senior Open Tournament in 1995. It was my birthday present to myself, as I turned 16 that day☺
Who are your tennis heroes?
Heroes??? That would be ME! Just kidding, I would say my tennis Hero is Steffi Graff, she was amazing on the court,
She played with such fluidity and grace… absolutely amazing to watch.
How would you describe your style of play?
I would describe my style of play as been an aggressive baseliner!
What goals have you set yourself with regards to your tennis career?
Well, I have very high expectations of myself, my goal has always been to break into the top WTA 50, and my childhood dream was to represent SA in the Olympics, so hopefully 2008!
How often are you in South Africa?
Not very often, once or twice a year, I probably would be in South Africa more, if we had more than 2 Pro Tennis Tournaments a year.
Who do you rate as the best women’s player in the world currently?
Currently I think the best player is Justine Henin.
Who is your favourite to win Wimbledon this year?
My favorite to win Wimbledon this year is… Martina Hingis!
What are your hopes/dreams for 2008?
Well, probably to pick up my ranking, my ranking has dropped from 543 in singles, and 470 in doubles (WTA). And like I mentioned earlier, hopefully play the Olympics. I was nominated for the 2004 Olympics, but due to the ridiculously high cut of 70, South Africa was not represented.
gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity and what role does it play in your life?
Femininity, in my opinion is a quality that cannot be described in one word, I believe it is a few qualities that a true woman possesses/obtains in life (in the sporting world or not)!
Such as class, having good morals and values, caring for yourself and others, having integrity as well as staying true to ones self despite what environment or circumstance you find yourself in!
I believe I am a good role model, both on- and off the court…
Our theme this month is INDULGENCE. What is your favourite indulgence?
Indulgence, ooh I like that, cause I love to eat, my favorite would be a chicken curry, probably not before a match though ha…ha. And for dessert, chocolate brownies and ice-cream (been in the States too long).
What do you miss most being away from home?
Besides my mum’s cooking, (see told you I love food, hahaha), I truly miss my family and friends the most.
My Dad (Morgan), Mum (Lynette) and Bro (Ricardo) are my best friends, as well as my support system!
They are absolutely amazing, and I just want to thank them for being there for me through thick and thin.
What is your favourite spectator sport?
Soccer.
What is your normal fitness routine?
Well at the moment not very intense, due to my injury, I am having more rehab than working out!
A typical day would be 2 to 3 hours on the court, lift weights 3 times a week, and cardio everyday, this routine would be when I am not playing in a tournament, obviously…
I also do yoga at least twice a week, helps with my core strength and balance.
What can be done to improve the state of women’s tennis in South Africa?
Definitely more marketing, and above all money, money is central to any development, which women’s tennis does not have right now in SA!
What is the biggest challenge as a female tennis player?
Personally I think as a female tennis player, the biggest challenge one faces is traveling alone!
Who is your best friend?
Her name is Natalya Nikitina, she is from Russia, and she is my ex-college roommate, and doubles partner.
I definitely believe it is important to have true friends in life, not only because the sporting world can sometimes be very cruel, but just to have someone there that you know honestly cares!
I would like to thank her for being there for me through all my ups and downs, both on- and off the court.
What advice do you have for young girls who would like to take up tennis?
To all the young girls out there that love tennis, it’s a combination of heart, hard work and perseverance, DREAM big and you will ACHIEVE big, as I believe nothing is impossible!
How much longer do you expect your tennis career to go on for?
I can’t exactly say, it really depends on my injury☹, but hopefully a few more years.
But I will say, if it ends sooner than I hope, I definitely want to have a family one day, I love children, so if God wants me to start a “new life” so be it…
Do you plan to return to South Africa?
I am definitely proud to be SOUTH AFRICAN!!! So maybe one day…
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