Botswana tennis still has a long way to go_Pierce

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Friday December 10, 2010 00:00

 

The former world number three made the observation after watching Botswana players at the International Junior Open which end tomorrow at the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) courts. She told Mmegi Sport that Botswana still lacks the necessary training facilities.

She said when she grew up, she was sent to several tennis academies with other children who in the long run became professional. She said it is clear Botswana youngsters are not getting enough practice in local and international competitions. 'The only way for children to improve is if they play under the guidance of good coaches and competitive peers,' she said.

Pierce started playing tennis at the age of 10 and became a professional at 12. She said after her talent was unearthed, she had to train at least an hour three times a week under her coach and father. After winning the the United States national Under-12 title, she was forced to quit school and concentrate on tennis at the age of 13. 'I trained at least eight hours a day and only attended school when I had the chance,' she said.

In 1989, she became the youngest American player to make her debut on the professional circuit at 14 years and two months. The record has since been broken. She attributes her success to her father, Jim Pierce, who coached her although she criticised him for being too harsh on the court. 'It is important for parents to be supportive to their children in sport but they have to remember that there needs to be a balance between parenting and coaching,' she said.

Pierce was born on 15 January 1975, in Montreal, Canada but is a citizen of France, Canada, and the United States. Pierce however played for France in team competitions and the Olympics. This is because she received most support during her career from France.

Pierce is currently based in Mauritius.

She arrived in Botswana on December 5 and is expected to leave on December 18. She is in Botswana to launch the new Harvest Christian Church (HCC) free fitness programme entitled: 'Fitness For Real Life'. The launch took place on Tuesday at the HCC headquarters in Gaborone. 

Meanwhile, Pierce said she is not sure if she is going to return to professional tennis after retiring due to a knee injury she incurred four years ago.

She has quit professional tennis twice in the past but always found her way back. 'This time it's different, I am getting older and my knee injury still hurts. Plus it takes a lot of hard work, training and sacrifices to compete at the highest level which I am not sure I would want to do,' she said. She is not sure about her return because she has decided to dedicate her life to activities that serve God.