27 April 2016 | Gabriella Tobias
In early March I travelled up to Mildura for the ITF Mildura International Pro Tour event. While there I kept a close eye on the Victorians and met Steven de Waard when he partnered with Marc Polmans in the doubles. Steve had recently moved to Victoria from Queensland and was enjoying his new home base.
TV: When we caught up in Mildura, you mentioned you were going to play Tennis Victoria Premier League and now here you are with a doubles and singles win today and the TVPL title! How does it feel?
SdW: It’s a great feeling. It was a really tight match all day, Kooyong are a quality side as we all know, they have a lot of good players and a lot of matches went down to the wire and we were lucky enough to get the win in the two doubles at the start which kind of put us in a good position and the guys kept rolling from there and were lucky enough to get over the line.
And you sealed the winner!
It was a great feeling to be able to come down [from Queensland] in my first season and seal the win was a very special feeling and something I’ll remember for my tennis career. It was a good moment.
What does it mean for the club to win three titles in a row in such a strong competition?
To win three years in a row, things have got to go right for that period of time, we’ve got a great group of guys and hopefully we can go again next year.
You’ve had a great summer, you won the Mildura Pro Tour doubles with Marc [Polmans] and now you’ve won Premier League. We’ll have to claim you now as a Victorian! Are you adapting to a new climate and new surrounds?
I’m really enjoying Melbourne and all it has to offer. I’m struggling with the climate as it’s a bit sporadic but I’ve loved it so far and I’m glad I moved down.
How did you find this competition overall?
Strong, very strong. There was a lot of quality players in all different teams and it was actually really enjoyable to play in a group of guys because we don’t really get to play in teams too regularly. I really enjoyed the competition and can’t wait to play again.
Do you find playing in teams a nice change considering tennis is generally an individual sport?
Definitely. It’s good to have people on the sidelines who are constantly there barracking for you through the good and bad times. It’s a lot different to tournaments when you don’t have that support there always. I love the team environment.
Grace Park had a lot of fans here today!
We had a lot of supporters. There were a lot of people I’d only met today but it seems like the club’s really into these events and it’s great to have them here supporting and I’m happy we could give back to them a little bit too.
So, what’s next?
I’m off to America for two Challengers on the East Coast and then I’m off to Germany for club tennis and hopefully some Futures and Challengers there.
While in Mildura I asked Marc and Steve the big hard hitting questions to get to know them a bit more.
TV: Favourite Sport other than tennis?
Steve: AFL
Marc: Table Tennis
If you were on a reality TV show what would it be? MKR, So you think you can dance or Australian Idol?
Steve: That’s easy because I can’t really dance or sing, and my cooking isn’t that great either but if I have a partner that might help me a bit.
Marc: That would be my answer too- MKR.
Steve: And I’d get to each lots of yummy food.
Favourite holiday destination?
Steve: I’m from Brisbane and I love getting to the Sunshine Coast when I’m there. I’ve just moved to Melbourne though so Sunshine Coast because my girlfriend and I love going there.
Marc: Sometimes I go back to Durban now and then because that’s where I’m from. The beaches there are nice and I like going back there but only once every eight years!
Apart from each other, who would you most like to play doubles with?
Steve: I saw Marc play one of the Bryan brothers at the Australian Open in the mixed doubles and he was ridiculously energetic so I’d love to play with someone like him. He was a lefty I think it was Bob!
Marc: I would also like to play with one of the Bryans. When I played against them they were all over the net so I think it would help me out a fair bit if I was playing doubles with him. Maybe Mike though!
Instagram or Twitter?
Marc: Instagram!
Steve: I’m with him, Instagram. I’m just on Twitter to watch Basketball scores really.
Cats or dogs?
Steve: I have a dog and a cat at home in Brisbane, but I do like dogs.
Marc: I’ve never owned a cat so dogs it is, I love dogs.
Foo Fighters or One Direction?
Marc: Foo Fighters?
Steve: Foo Fighters, they’re like a rock band.
Marc: How do I not know them?
Steve: I’ll go Foo Fighters because my sister’s obsessed with One Direction and I hear them too much.
Marc: Yeah I’m just going to go with One Direction because I know them!
Salt and Vinegar chips or Chicken chips?
Steve: Chicken.
Marc: Salt and Vinegar
Steve: Really?
Marc: I don’t know why I just always have Salt and Vinegar!
Steve: I’m a chicken man.
Favourite AFL team?
Steve: Brisbane Lions, they’re not great but oh well
Marc: I go for Collingwood. I was scared to say that! Some people like them, some people hate them.
Favourite Playing Surface?
Steve: I don’t mind something quick, I don’t mind this grass (Mildura) because it’s nice and quick and compliments my game more than a slower surface.
Marc: Probably a hard bouncy court. In warm conditions I think.
If you could interview anyone in the world who would it be?
Steve: Kobe Bryant. “What drives you to success?”
Marc: Djokovic. I’d ask him “how many hours a day of stretching does he do” I want to be as flexible as him but 40mins a day is not cutting it for me so far!
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