Interview with Diana Neagu

[31 October 2009]

Is Diana Neagu's turn to answer some questions to draw out October's interview. One of the young hopes of Olimpia Bucharest Women tennis team, Diana progressed in her game and attitude in the tennis court, items that rised her in the first field of the "olimpic performance".

Olimpia Tennis: Diana, in a few words, who are you?
Diana Neagu: Who am I ... a normal teenager, that's trying to fulfill her dream of becoming a top tennis player, but above all "a true person"

Olimpia Tennis: In august you were at two 16 ETA tournament in Istanbul. In one of them you had to defend a good result from last year. Please tell us a few about your experience there.
Diana Neagu: At the beginning I went decided to come out at least with the result from last year, feeling capable to do more. In the first tournament I lost in the second round. I started the game well but I didn't know how to maintain it till the end and I lost with the 3rd favorite. Usually I start the matches with a weak performance and I finish them well but this time was not like that. At the second tournament, after I saw the level of the third favorite, with the question, that if I would have fought more I would have won, I thought I would get much farther in the tournament. Between the two tournaments I caught a cold and I couldn't get over it and at the game I didn't give all that I could, so at doubles I lost in super tie-break after I had 3 match balls.

Olimpia Tennis: Beside tennis, what else did you do in Turkey ?
Diana Neagu: All summer I waited impatiently these tournaments wanting to rise above the last years accomplishments and relive the wonderful moments from Istanbul . Excepting my evolution (which sincerely I don't know how to qualify) the tournament was well. I made some new friends and I met others from last tournaments like Milena, my team player in doubles game along with whom I had a good result last year. We spent a lot of time together, we had a good time, she advised me in choosing a good partner in this year's doubles game,  because she was injured. I recall with pleasure about our sightseeing that I took with Mr. Stefan (my coach), Dodo, Mike, Sabina and her parents, Andrei and Mr. Doru who behaved like a true guide. We visited the Asian side on Istanbul, Kilios beach, we walked on the beach and we went shopping. In the evenings we used to stay in the hotel lounge with the other players and we used to forget about the good or bad game we had and just have a good time. There had been some funny happenings with the car alarm which didn't stop, but my coach, as always, solved the problem like a real mechanic. Turkey is a very beautiful country, full of history, with very different customs from ours, welcoming people, friendly, with good traditional dishes, a bit spicy for my taste. For sure I would never miss the tournaments in Turkey .

Olimpia Tennis: After these tournaments, you had been selected to be part of the junior team of Olimpia Bucharest in the 2009 National Team Championships alongside with top players. How was it?
Diana Neagu: Although I passed through a difficult period, the fact that I was selected in the 2009 edition of the National Team Championship honored me very much. The trust that Mr. Ovidiu Popescu had helped me a lot. It meant a lot to me to see that the others believe in me and so they are offering me a chance to be a top player. The girls from the team, Camy, Ema, Bianca, Elena, Marina, welcomed me with pleasure among them and I had the opportunity to train myself with them every day. Supported from aside I saw that I should want to win more, not just to play good. I saw and admired in the girls game, aside a great physical training a special technique, the desire to win each point. I personally felt that together we were a united team.

Olimpia Tennis: Last year you played in the second team, this year you won the championship, do you think in the next year you will bring the trophy again?
Diana Neagu: I hope that next year i'll help much more my team and together with the girls and coaches to keep the first place. I really want this.

Olimpia Tennis: As time goes by you will leave more often, are you prepared?
Diana Neagu: After my experience at the national campionships i feel i need to fight more and to wish the victory a lot more. I am more motivated and I think that after a winter while I will improve my game and my mental and physical situation I will be prepared to face all the tours that are wainting.

Olimpia Tennis: Your mother is always next to you. What do you say, if you were a parent, would you wish a child like you?
Diana Neagu: Haha ... That's a good question. I wish, but not so lazy. I don't think i'll have patience like my parents and my coaches to take care of a child like me. I don't know how they make this, but thank your for your effort.

Olimpia Tennis: We wish you luck!
Diana Neagu: Thank you very much. At the next interview i hope I'll list to you better results, along with them who I hope that they will support me and help me like they did until now.

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