Growing up in London, Will Jansen watched his dad and older brother enjoy tennis, and he couldn’t help but feel left out. “They played all the time, and I’d get really jealous,” he recalls. “I was too young to join them, and I’d throw tantrums when they left for the courts.”
At just five, Will finally picked up a racket and has been dedicated to the sport ever since. He started on grass courts at a local club but quickly adapted to the indoor hard courts, thanks to the constant London rain. “I spent a lot of time playing indoors,” he says. “But I loved it, and I just kept going.”
His junior career was impressive. He played in the qualifying rounds of the 2021 Wimbledon men’s tournament and in the 2022 Wimbledon Junior event. Will then moved to the United States for college tennis, playing two years at North Carolina and then spending last season at Ohio State before joining the University of Georgia this August.
At Ohio State, he achieved All-American status in doubles and in singles, reaching the round of 16 at the NCAA singles tournament. This accomplishment is even more striking considering he battled an abdominal injury that sidelined him for eight weeks. “I wasn’t on the court much, and serving was tough,” he explains. “But I ended strong, and I’ve improved a lot since arriving at Georgia—my returns, serves, and my overall game.”
Now, the Georgia Bulldogs are off to a solid start with a 5-1 record. Their only loss occurred against TCU, which is currently ranked 7th. Meanwhile, Will has shined in singles, boasting a 4-1 record in dual matches, including successful pairings in doubles. “I love doubles because it’s a different energy,” he explains. “In singles, it feels lonely at times. Having someone to share the court with changes the dynamic.”
Will aims to be more aggressive, especially on critical points. “A lot of college matches come down to one or two points,” he notes. “Staying positive with my shots and attacking is essential.” This mindset reflects a broader trend in sports, where many athletes are focusing on mental fitness alongside physical training.
As he looks ahead, Will sees room for growth. “Everything has got to improve,” he insists, emphasizing the importance of being strategic during tense moments on the court.
Next up for the Bulldogs is a match against No. 5 LSU, followed by another challenge against No. 15 Florida. With his determination and skill, Will Jansen is one to watch this season.
For more insights into college sports, check out the NCAA website for the latest updates and statistics. You can also find extensive analyses from sports experts on platforms like ESPN or Sports Illustrated.
