Interview with Junior Tennis Player Amelia Watts

Q: Can you introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Amelia Watts. I’m 13 years old, from Greenwich, Connecticut, and I currently have a 6.7 UTR.

Q: As a competitive player, how do you handle pressure during tournaments?
As a tennis player, I’m constantly working on finding strategies to stay calm and avoid unnecessary pressure. During tournaments, I try to focus on the positives—like executing the previous point well—rather than dwelling on negative thoughts.

Q: Is it ever difficult to stay positive during matches?
Yes, it definitely can be. Sometimes I start to worry about the outcome and think “what if?” In those moments, I have to consciously stop myself from going down that path of thinking. It’s easy to get caught up in the result, but I try to stay present.

Q: What do you tell yourself before each point?
Before every point, I remind myself that even though the match might feel like it means everything, it’s ultimately just a game meant to be enjoyed. That perspective helps me relax and play more freely.

Q: Do you use any specific techniques to regain composure?
Every player experiences pressure to perform well. When I feel it building, I take a few deep breaths and visualize past successful plays. That helps me reset mentally and regain my composure before the next point.

Q: Can you share a memorable tournament experience that challenged you?
One tournament that stands out as particularly challenging was a Level 4 Open in the G14s at the Tennis Innovators Academy in New York. The match was tough because of a dramatic shift in momentum. After I won the first set 7–6 (7–5), I felt like I had the control and momentum. However, my opponent quickly turned things around, played at a high level, and won the second set 6–2. The split-set tiebreaker was heartbreaking — I ended up losing it 4–10. I remember feeling disappointed with the result, but the match taught me a lot about the importance of staying focused and composed, even when momentum shifts unexpectedly.