Thursday, March 5, 1998
Ralleying with Cooper
W. TENNIS: Singles player fills in top position with finesse,
humble success
By Jared Hummel
Daily Bruin Contributor
What does a Division IA college tennis coach do coming into a
season with a No. 2 preseason national ranking, playing in arguably
the most competitive conference in the country, when the team’s No.
1 player, who happens to be a NCAA contender, goes down with an
injury before the first match?
Answer: He/she hopes that the team has enough depth to pick up
the slack, he/she wishes for a little luck, and, most importantly,
he/she hopes that a player can fill in the No. 1 spot and play
consistently well.
This was the predicament laid at the feet of UCLA head coach
Stella Sampras just 45 days ago.
And sophomore Annica Cooper was the godsend that Sampras had
hoped for.
Competing predominantly in the No. 3 position last season,
Cooper has had little problem making the transition to the top
spot.
"In the beginning (of the season) I started playing No. 1 and
maybe people didn’t think I’d win as many matches as I have, so
there wasn’t much pressure," Cooper said. "I just feel like I’m
having so many opportunities and chances that I’ve never had before
to play top players."
Cooper has fared extremely well against these top players. So
far this season she has played seven nationally ranked opponents
and won six of those matches. Among Cooper’s list of casualties
are: William and Mary’s Lauren Nikolaus, nationally ranked 12th,
whom Cooper decisively beat 6-2, 6-4; Pepperdine’s Zsofia Csapo,
ranked 35th and Arizona State’s Reka Cseresnyes, ranked 38th.
The only blemish on her 10-1 record was a loss to No. 3 Agnes
Muzamel of Mississippi in the USTA/ITA Indoor Tournament.
"I think she’s done a great job stepping up into that No. 1
spot," Sampras said. "She goes out and doesn’t let things bother
her – she’s cool out there."
"Playing No. 1 is so tough because you’re playing the best
player from every school," senior Kelly Rudolph said. "Every match,
no matter what school you play, it’s going to be tough. She’s so
solid – she’s only lost once."
In collegiate tennis, a team’s doubles game is very important,
as it is the deciding factor in a close match. Cooper finished last
season with a 13-4 dual match doubles record and currently holds a
7-2 mark this season, typically playing in the No. 2 slot.
Unlike most tennis players at the college level, Cooper plays
effectively in both singles and doubles. In fact, she is a
returning All-American in the latter.
"She contributes in both singles and doubles – our doubles would
not be as strong without her," Sampras said. "She’s certainly
contributed a lot to the program and helping us with our
matches."
Born in Chicago, Cooper grew up as a loyal Bulls fan, more
specifically, a Michael Jordan fan; as such, she likes to pattern
her tennis game after his basketball game.
"You have to look at the individual things (Jordan) does so
well, and how even in games against the worst teams, he still
scores 40 points," Cooper said. "That really helps me when we’re
playing lesser opponents, and I always think about what he would do
and how he would improve his game – I then think about how I have
to improve my game."
"The way he comes through in clutch situations, always making
the shot at the final buzzer and knowing that he’s still aggressive
in situations – that’s what you have to do; you can’t be
defensive," Cooper added.
Like Jordan, Cooper has an exciting style. Where Jordan ignites
the crowd with a lightning-fast cross-over dribble, freezing the
defender en route to a dunk, Cooper plays a high-tempo serve and
volley game.
Instead of playing conservatively at the baseline, engaging in a
drawn-out rally style of tennis, Cooper often gambles with her hard
serve and follows with an approach to the net where she practically
dares her opponent to beat her.
"There aren’t many college players who can serve and volley, and
she does it and does it very well," Sampras said. "She handles the
pressure well. She’s cool and takes things in stride."
Unlike His Airness, Cooper is not a professional quite yet, but
consistent with her desire for challenge, she plans on challenging
herself after graduation by continuing her tennis.
"If I’m still enjoying (tennis) as much as I have been, I know
my dad has said that he’d be willing if I wanted to try the pro
tour and go for a year or just see what happens and play some
tournaments," Cooper said. "I think it would be fun just to
see."
Cooper’s Bruin teammates regard her as a quiet and modest person
despite her success.
"I think even though she’s No. 1, although she’s a very
confident person; she’s not big-headed and she doesn’t show that
confidence," sophomore All-American Katia Roubanova said.
Despite the opinion of her teammates, Cooper appears unafraid to
voice her confidence in her ability.
"Right now I think I can compete with anybody in the country,
and that makes me feel good," Cooper said. "I know that I’m not
going to be blown off the court by anybody – I can adjust my game
and stay in every match."
One thing is for sure, Cooper’s teammates will be hoping that
her confidence stays strong and that her play follows suit.
The expectations for this year’s team are high despite the havoc
that injuries have wrought.
As the team leader, Cooper is responsible for setting the tone
for the team. With a rigorous Pac-10 schedule looming in the coming
weeks ahead, Cooper and Co. need to ask themselves: how badly do
they want to succeed?
DERRICK KUDO
Playing in the No. 1 slot, Annica Cooper has come through for
UCLA.