FÈS, Morocco - Heading into last week's Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem as a wildcard ranked No.497, Nadia Lalami had played just four career WTA matches - all four of them being first round losses at the same tournament. But she made the most of the opportunity, scoring the biggest win of her career over top seed Aravane Rezai to become the first Moroccan to reach the quarterfinals of a WTA event. One of the rewards was a leap some 170 places up the rankings, to No.330.
We caught up with Nadia, who celebrates her 21st birthday today, after her great run in Fès.
How did you get into tennis?
NL: I began to play at the age of five at the club of Casablanca, the 'Coc', because my parents were already members. I played at the tennis school and I made national tournaments. My father traveled several times abroad with me and that's how I began to like tennis and to win more and more tournaments. So over time I really involved myself into it.
Tell us about your family...
NL: I have an athletic family. They all have been involved into sports, my parents were more amateurs. My mother played field hockey and my father was more into football. Then when they got together, tennis became their favorite sport here in Morocco. My two brothers, one is 19 years old and the other one is 10 years old, also both play tennis very well. The younger one has just done tournaments in France and the older one also has a lot of potential. Tennis is very important for our family.
How do you describe your playing style?
NL: My tennis is an aggressive game, I like to attack. I like to put the opponent in trouble in the bottom of the court. My playing style is quite complete.
If you could steal a shot from another player, what would it be?
NL: I would like to steal the drop shots from someone that use them very well. It's a shot that disturbs the players a lot. To run forwards is not easy so it will become a good point if I could control them.
What is your favorite playing surface?
NL: I was born on clay but I can adapt quite easily to all surfaces.
Do you have a favorite tournament?
NL: I have no favorite tournaments, but I have played all the Grand Slams and I like a lot their atmospshere... I think that New York, Paris and all the big cities are extraordinary and Casablanca of course, where I also play very well. I like to play the big tournaments, and of course I enjoyed Fès a lot too!
What are your goals in tennis?
NL: At the end of the year I hope to get in the Top 100 and my ultimate goal is to be in the Top 10.
Did you have a tennis idol when you were growing up?
NL: I have watched Belgian players, Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters and I like Martina Hingis too. For the men it was Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and now it is more Roger Federer.
Best tennis memory so far?
NL: Before citing this week at Fès, I will talk about the great time I spend in Australia at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon too but finally it is here, at the Grand Prix de Sar Lala Meryem where I have played the quarter-finals and above all where I have beaten Aravane Rezaï, that was extraordinary.
How far did you go in your education?
NL: I went to school and then when I reached my Brevet I did the CNED (National Centre for Distance Education), that provides distance learning material. Then I got my Baccalauréat in economy. I got the honors. Now I entered the University of Grenoble, where I study economy also by distance but my priority is tennis, I study just to keep the level.
What do you like to do to relax?
NL: I like to listen to music and read books. The Internet too but not when I have to play a match because it distracts a little bit.
What sorts of things do you like to read, wtahc or listen to?
NL: I have read Message In A Bottle, which I liked and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho which is also very good. I like romantic comedies and the action movies with the best actors from Hollywood. I don't like the fantastic and the science fiction. As for music, I like a little bit of everything... pop, rock, house - most of all contemporary music.
What non-tennis skill do you wish you had?
NL: I would have loved to play the guitar but it's very difficult because it needs practice and time which I don't have. I love acoustical music. I would have also loved to dance hip hop and to learn some choreographies.
What quality do you appreciate most in others?
NL: That they are respectful and listen to the others.
What might you have done if you didn't become a tennis player?
NL: I love fashion, designing, the architecture, the decoration, so I would have done something in that field.
