When Arda Azkara stepped onto the court for his first Davis Cup match in Niš, Serbia, he felt the weight of the moment. The crowd was cheering against him, and he could feel the pressure. However, instead of letting it overwhelm him, Azkara discovered an important lesson: staying calm can make all the difference.
“I learned that anything can happen on the court,” he said. “When you’re relaxed, you play better. You focus more, and you hit the shots you want to hit.” Azkara, who played for Georgia after transferring from New Mexico, was used to competitive tennis, but this felt different. “At the end of the day, you’re playing for your teammates and the people back at home,” he added.
The match started with Turkey losing the doubles point, which could have shattered anyone’s confidence. But Azkara found freedom in the moment. With the team trailing, he played with less pressure and felt his game improve. “I was calmer, and that helped me think about my game,” he noted. He focused more on enjoying the experience rather than just the score.
In his singles match, Azkara did well, defeating Branko Djuric in a close contest. Although he was away from home, he had unexpected support from friends who flew in from Turkey just to cheer him on. “It was cool to see them come all that way,” he said.
Juggling high-level tennis with his studies in Athens isn’t easy. As a master’s student, Azkara has to keep up with classes, homework, and practices, which leaves him little personal time. However, he noted that traveling for matches can sometimes feel more relaxing. “On the road, I don’t have to worry about classes as much. It gives me more time for myself,” he explained.
Interestingly, research shows that maintaining a calm mindset during competitive sports can significantly enhance performance. A study from the Journal of Sports Sciences found that athletes who practiced mindfulness techniques saw improvements in their overall game. Azkara’s experience aligns with these findings.
The Davis Cup reminded him of why he loves tennis. The support from his country and coaches keeps him motivated. Azkara encourages younger players to enjoy these moments, explaining that it shows on the court.
For him, the Davis Cup was more than just facing tough competitors. It was a reminder that calmness and perspective are more important than nerves. This lesson isn’t just for him; it’s something all athletes can carry forward in their careers.
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