MEET SA’ S NEWEST
GRAND SLAM CHAMP
Connor Doig
From the local courts of Westville to the bright lights of Melbourne Park, Connor Doig has gone from grinding it out at home to standing on top of the junior game. Teaming up with Bulgaria’ s Dimitar Kisimov, the South African junior claimed the boys’ doubles crown and his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Now, the disbelief is fading and bigger ambitions are taking shape …
What was the first thought that crossed your mind when match point was secured?
Just a lot of different emotions running through me, disbelief being the most prevalent one. It was just unbelievable and surreal … Obviously, we were incredibly happy and we were proud, but I think that just came a little bit after it had sunken in.
What do you love about tennis?
I guess I just love everything about tennis to be honest. I love competing. I like being outdoors. I like trying to get better at something, constantly working to improve to reach a goal.
South African tennis doesn’ t often get the spotlight – what does it mean to you to carry that flag on a global stage?
Has it sunk in now and how does it feel to be a Grand Slam champion?
It was actually one of my goals this year to win a Slam in singles and / or doubles. I knew it was going to take a lot … So we did a lot of prep and it feels unreal to be honest … But it obviously feels incredible as well. Back home, we’ ve had so much support from so many people, so that’ s been great.
How long have you and Dimitar played together and what makes it work?
We met each other for the first time last year, maybe May or June. We played together for the first time in Italy and we gelled really well … I definitely show a bit more emotion on court. He’ s very calm, so I think he brings a real sense of calm to the court, which really helps … That’ s kind of how we handle the pressure.
Where did you grow up, and how old were you when you started playing tennis?
I’ ve spent my entire life in Westville, in Durban. I picked up a tennis racquet for the first time when I was six and a half. At that stage, I was playing all the sports: tennis, cricket, rugby, swimming, running, everything. Then I started taking tennis a lot more seriously when I was about 12 or 13 because I’ ve always been competitive and I just loved competing.
I think it’ s awesome. I hope that I can inspire some youngsters. I’ m very proud to be a South African.
Who has been the biggest influence on your tennis journey so far?
My first coach [ Donald Thomson ] was incredibly influential. My whole family’ s always been super supportive. And then my current coach [ Stefan Fortmann ] as well, he’ s done an excellent job, super dedicated as well. I’ ve really enjoyed working with him over the last four years.
Junior success is often a springboard – how do you see this title shaping your future ambitions?
I hope it can give me a boost forward … You sometimes need these kinds of things to springboard you forward. Let’ s see. This is very new for us. So let’ s see what happens in the future …
Photo Credit Connor Doig
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