Pro Player Q&A: Artem Sitak
I have been very honored to sit down and ask New Zealand doubles specialist, Artem Sitak, a couple of questions about his experience on tour as well as behind the scenes questions.
An experienced veteran on tour, he represented New Zealand during their rubber against Korea this past week. He has also won the 2018 Hall of Fame Open doubles championship with partner, Jonathan Erlich.
How did you start getting into tennis?
My parents put me into tennis school when I was 6, I didn’t really want to do it, but really liked hitting that ball, fell in love with the sport right the way.
Who was your idol growing up?
My idol growing up was Pete Sampras
What brought you to represent New Zealand when you were born in Russia?
I decided to move and live in New Zealand in 2008, it’s such a beautiful country with really nice people.
What is the toughest part about traveling when being a professional?
Toughest part about traveling is the actual travel, flying from one continent to another every week is not easy at all.
What’s the best advice you have ever gotten?
The best that comes to mind was back in 2012. The coach of another player told me that I’m a good player but I don’t practice enough, so since then I started training a lot harder.
What has changed the most since the time you have been on tour and what has stayed the same?
From the first time that I started playing, the level has gone up, people play better and want it more, I think it’s very difficult to burst through and make it now.
Was the winning the title in Newport the highlight of your year so far?
Highlight of the year was making quarterfinals at Wimbledon, and back it up with Newport title was really nice.
When you are not playing tennis, what is the one thing you like to do off the court?
I like to watch tennis, I really enjoy a occasional golf
What is something that you learned from playing tennis that you will use for the rest of your life?
Tennis gives you a lot of opportunities that skills that you will use later in life. I traveled to tournaments by myself since I was 12, managing the trip and work through problems that come along the way was priceless for my “life” lessons. And on court tennis teaches you to fight and never give up
