Q1. Tell us something about yourself.
Ans. My name is Tanuja Chauhan and I am a third-year Bcom student at Maitreyi College. I am a professional tennis player. I began playing tennis in 2010 and was also an NCC Cadet.
Q2. How did you develop an interest in Tennis?
Ans. Speaking of how I became interested in tennis, I began playing when I was 10 years old, and after two months, there was a significant tournament in my academy. I simply thought about competing in the tournament, and eventually, I won it, which marked the beginning of my love for the game and the growth of my interest in it.
Q3. Which is your favourite tournament to date?
Ans. Regarding my favourite competition, I participated in Fenesta in 2017, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious competitions in India, and a few days later, I fortunately even witnessed Rafael Nadal, the player I look up to, playing. Despite the fact that tennis is my professional sport, I also enjoy playing other games. Additionally, I have won a lot of medals in athletics.
Q4. How did you manage your studies along with tennis?
Ans. I used to play in the morning and the evening, and I went to school for a very short amount of time, but on the plus side, my teachers were very supportive and used to give me extra classes. To be honest, I didn't struggle to balance sports and school because, over the course of ten years, I formed the habit of managing my tasks. I also believe that athletes can manage because they have very active minds, so I don't think it's that difficult and with this belief, I scored 92% in the 12th board exams.
Q5. Which was your first match after coming to college and how did you find out about it?
Ans. Due to COVID, I haven't been able to participate in any college matches, but matches from the college's side are anticipated to take place in December or January. Lately, I've competed in open nationals and participated in tournaments in other states like Chennai, Haryana, etc.
Q6. What role does your family play in supporting you? Have you faced any restrictions from your family’s side?
Ans. My family gives me a lot of inspiration and support, both materially and emotionally, and they always come to watch me play. They fully trust me and support me and allow me to do leisure activities as well.
Q7. Which was the first tournament you regret losing because of something or someone?
Ans. So, I once played a match in Chennai where my opponent was challenging and I had the lead but lost owing to the umpires and the organizers' partiality, which demotivated me.
Q8. What college-related memory, besides sports, stands as your favourite one?
Ans. The memories I made on College’s Bollywood Day, I'd say, are my favourites.
Q9. What do you think about a women's college?"
Ans. Speaking of girls' colleges, I think they can be a little irritating at times because, since I went to a coed school, girls and boys used to live together and eat, play, and study. However, I eventually adapted to the setting and made many friends. My best friend group, I would say, is the sports group I am a part of because the people there never make you feel lonely, down, or bored, so it's enjoyable.
Q10. Who is that one person that stayed with you through thick and thin in college?
Ans. Gauri from Bcom Honors and Anupama from the B. A. programme were two of the four people in my college life who always stood by me through good times and bad. Once I get to know someone, I don't think about whether they are junior or senior and I never have that sensation.
Q11. How many medals have you won from the competitions thus far, and which one was your favourite?
Ans. I have won many medals, but my favourite came from the South Asian Games, where I played in 2017 and represented India in Indonesia. Our team won a bronze medal.
Q12. What is the one thing that keeps you going?
Ans. I'd say that dancing and listening to music are two things that always keep me motivated.
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