In part three of our 11-part “Meet the Cats” mini-series, ArizonaWildcats.com sits down with junior Naoki Takeda.
The junior is off to a stellar 17-3 overall start this season, while he’s a perfect 9-0 in dual play and 3-1 against ranked individuals this spring. Takeda continued his superb campaign last Tuesday, as he pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Division I tennis this year, easily taking down Tulane’s No. 5 Dominik Koepfer 6-0, 6-2 on court one.
ArizonaWildcats.com: How old were you when you started playing tennis and who inspired you to play?
Takeda: I started playing tennis when I was nine and my dad got me into it. My parents played so I joined in and played with them.
ArizonaWildcats.com: Where are you from?
Takeda: Osaka, Japan.
ArizonaWildcats.com: What made you decide to come to Arizona to play tennis?
Takeda: My old coach and coach Berkowitz have been friends for a while, so I got to meet with coach Berkowitz and he got to see me play. There was a strong connection.
ArizonaWildcats.com: Was tennis the only sport you played?
Takeda: I actually used to play soccer and baseball as well. I still love all three sports.
Arizona Wildcats.com: Why did you end up choosing tennis?
Takeda: In tennis, at the end of the day you either win or you lose. In soccer it can be an even score and you can tie. I don’t like that. Tennis is an individual sport and it’s all on you. I kind of like the fact that I’m in control.
ArizonaWildcats.com: Who is your favorite athlete?
Takeda: I’m a big fan of Keisuke Honda (Japanese soccer player) because he’s cool and has a good personality. He works hard and I can see it when I watch him play on television.
ArizonaWildcats.com: How does it feel being a ranked player right now (currently ranked No. 58 in the nation)?
Takeda: It doesn’t feel much different. I just keep working hard. However, it does motivate me a little bit because you always want to get better and be ranked higher.
