USTA National Coach Eric Nunez is the captain of the U.S. Junior Davis Cup team competing this week at the 16-and-under Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas in Campeche, Mexico. Nunez is writing a blog in Spanish (see English translation below) from the event on his and his team's experiences from Mexico. Stay tuned for daily updates.
By Eric Nunez
QUIEN SIGUE??
Hoy abrimos la competencia con el pie derecho contra México. El día empezó con el singles #2, seguido por el singles#1. Los primeros partidos nunca son fáciles para los jugadores. Para algunos es la primera ves representando a su país y hay nervios, ansiedad, dudas...
Como capitán es importante mostrar confianza, seguridad y animo a sus jugadores. Tienen que sentir que tienen tu respaldo y que estamos todos en esto juntos. Antes de el inicio del partido los junte a mis jugadores y les dije que no me importa que tan lindo o feo jueguen, pero que compitan como campeones y lo dejen todo en la cancha. Eso mismo hicieron, ganando el primer partido en 2 sets duros y el segundo partido en forma contundente. Después de un descanso jugaron el tercer punto y ganaron el dobles jugando muy bien.
Hoy fue un día muy caliente y húmedo con temperaturas llegando a 103° F. Entonces ahora es sumamente importante que los chicos se hidraten bien y se recuperen ya que mañana tendremos que hacerlo de nuevo. Mañana iremos contra Guatemala y hay que estar listos para cualquier cosa.
Hasta mañana amigos! VAMOS USA!!!
Cap. Nunez
English translation:
WHO'S NEXT??
Today we started the competition on the right foot against Mexico. The day started with singles No. 2 followed by singles No. 1. The first matches are never easy for the players. For some, this is the first time representing their country, and there can be some nerves, anxiety and doubts...
As a captain, it is important to show confidence, security and positive energy to your players. They have to feel that you have their back and that we are all in this together. Before the start of the matches, I brought my team together and told them that I don't care how pretty or ugly it looks, but that I want them to compete like champions and leave it all on the court. And they did just that, winning the first match in two tough sets and the second match in decisive fashion. After a rest, they won the third point playing really well in doubles.
Today was really hot and humid with temperatures reaching 103°F. Now it is extremely important that the boys hydrate and recover very well because tomorrow we will have to do it all over again. Tomorrow we will play against Guatemala and have to be ready for anything.
Until tomorrow! LET'S GO USA!!!
Cap. Nunez