Tennis Atlantic

Tennis Maryland was granted another interview yesterday. This time, we asked to speak to Stephanie Dubois, Québec’s #1 WTA player. Why Stephanie Dubois? First of all, we must disclose that as Maryland is our overwhelmingly favorite state, Québec is our overwhelmingly favorite province. Where else can you drive 7-10 hours from the Mid-Atlantic and feel like you’ve taken a trans-continental flight?  Don’t get us started pining for the food, the constant stream of festivals, the language and the culture.

Getting back to Dubois: She had just beaten one of the top seeds in the tournament, Sonia Mirza. We should also mention that CitiOpen in College Park featured three players from Canada and even offers poutine for sale. This was starting to feel like Rogers Cup in Montreal. So, why NOT Stephanie Dubois?  TM tried to interview in French, but it became clear that, in the interest of transcript accuracy, our Franglais was not going to cut it.

TM: First, I must ask you. You are no stranger to Sonia Mirza, are you? You’ve seen her before, haven’t you?

SD: Ah, yes. We met at the Australian Open this year and she won the match. And I won in the finals against her in Vancouver a couple of years ago (2009).

TM: Is this your first visit to the Washington area?

SD: No. I played at Washington in two different  $75,000 Challengers events in the past.

TM: Have you had a chance to visit downtown DC?

SD: I did get to go to the White House and all of the other sight-seeing when I was here three years ago. But this time, no, I have been too busy and I am staying in College Park.

TM: You beat Kim Clijsters at the Rogers Cup in 2006, didn’t you?

SD: Yes. Well, actually, Kim retired. But it was my first third round ever at a major event, and it was the Rogers Cup.

TM: On behalf of the good people at wtaQuebec.com, I wanted
to ask you about Saguenay.

SD: I love Saguenay! It was a great opportunity with great people.

TM: Were you supported as a young Québecois player by Tennis
Canada?

SD: Very much. From youth tennis, to the last seven years, I am
grateful for them. They helped me out with financial support. I’ve
had a coach on the road for four or five years now, and they are not free.

TM: When did you discover an interest in tennis? Who played with
you?

SD: My sister and brother played with my dad at a school near my house in Laval. I wanted to join in and I loved it right away. I was 4 or 5 at the time.  

TM: What do you think of Quickstart tennis for the kids?

SD: You know, I don’t know too much about it. But it sounds like a nice idea and it looks like they have fun.

TM: What was your greatest victory on the courts thus far?

SD: My greatest win was against Kim Clisters (in 2006),  even though she was forced to retire. It gave me my first third round, and here I was at Rogers Cup signing autographs for fans.  When I was a kid, I used to get autographs from stars like Michael Chang at Rogers. Now, fans are asking for my autograph! It was a night match on Stadium Court in Montreal and it was a great moment for me.

I almost beat the #8 player in the world at the time,  Anna  Chakvetadze. At Wimbledon (2008). That was great. But every time you win is the greatest.

TM: Do you prefer your Rogers Cup to be held in Montreal or Toronto?

SD: I don’t know. Both of them. They’re both so different, but both are so well-organized. But of course, I would rather play in Montreal.  

TM: What is on your Ipod?

SD: Dance music mostly. Some Coldplay. Mostly, something I can move to.

TM: Who’s your favorite sports team?

SD: Canadiens!  And the Nordiques, if they ever return. Then I will have two teams again.  I don’t follow many sports, because I am always busy, but I love Canadiens hockey.

TM: Thank you, Stephanie. I wish you bonne chance on Thursday.

SD:  Thank you. And thank you before for offering to interview me in French. That was very nice.