Chris Kralik ’16, a three-year Upper from Shanghai, China, has dominated his opponents on the tennis court since his Junior year. Kralik is Andover Boys Tennis’s first seed this year and is the seventh best player in New England in the Class of 2016. The poise that Kralik shows on the court, combined with his ability to stretch out opponents, has made him almost unbeatable. He has played an integral role in the success of the Boys Tennis team, and due to his accomplishments on the court, Kralik has been awarded The Phillipian’s Athlete of the Week.
What is the key to your success?
The key to my success is that I always stay focused and motivated. I try to set a good example for the rest of the team. I think that that is really important. I feel like my teammates look up to me a lot, and usually if I perform well, it has a really positive effect on everyone else. It gives me more incentive to do well.
How do you stay focused and motivated?
Well, it’s all for the team. I just want to do the best that I can on the court. I don’t want to let my peers and coach down.
What have you improved upon most since last season?
I think that improved physical fitness has been really helpful to me. I hit much harder, much heavier than I did a year ago. Movement, strength in legs – it really applies everywhere.
If you had to give one piece of advice to a tennis player, what would it be?
It would be about enjoying yourself first, and then worry about winning or losing.
What do you try and stress most in a match?
Mental focus. Not being distracted by anything during the match. Since it’s just you on the court, it’s up to you to stay focused and not let small things get in the way. You can’t get frustrated too easily. A lot of the time, that can cause trouble on the court for people.
What’s your favorite shot?
Probably my forehand. I use that a lot as a weapon.