East Meets West: Venise Chan Interviews Irina Tereschenko
Welcome to another edition of “East Meets West,” where Hong Kong-based pickleball pro Venise Chan asks questions to America-based pickleball pros. Today, she’s chatting with Irina Tereschenko, one of our favorite pickleball pros! The two go way back, and we loved reading their conversation.
Irina Tereschenko: I want to salute to Venise’s passion for pickleball, her curiosity and a burning desire to learn from the best. She came all the way from Hong Kong to compete in a number of professional pickleball events of the highest caliber. This is a huge commitment in terms of time, resources, and courage. Way to go, Venise. Way to stare adversity in the eyes and take on the challenge! I hope you had a great time in the USA and made some new friends. You definitely became a better pickleball player! Let’s go!
Venise Chan: We have been talking about me coming to play in the USA and playing with me long since before COVID kicked in which messed up our plans! I finally made it to the USA! What tips would you give me after partnering with me in my first pickleball tournament? How do you think I can improve and what tips to other tennis player who wants to transit to pickleball?
Irina Tereschenko: I would say to work on transition and resetting the shots in the transition zone (no mens land) and add new creative offensive options to your kitchen game.
Venise Chan: During your tournament days, how do you handle a bad day/a loss in pickleball?
Irina Tereschenko: I usually need a bit of space right after my match to throw a pity party. When it’s over, I am ready to hang out and socialize again. At home I will go back and watch match video and look for patterns or missed opportunities and do a better job next time!
Venise Chan: Are you superstitious? Do you follow any pre-game routine to prep for your match?
Irina Tereschenko: No superstitions. My daily pre-game prep is to eat healthy. Drink jigsaw health electrolyte supreme and pickleball cocktail and kick butt!
Venise Chan: Do you feel the same pressure when you play a match in tennis versus a game of pickleball?
Irina Tereschenko: Pressure is a privilege no matter what type of match you are playing. As the stakes get higher in pickleball and the stage gets bigger, the excitement of a center court match will rival some of the rowdiest college crowds or professional tennis tournaments. I personally enjoy playing in front of a big group and on network TV, such as Fox or ESPN. It pumps me up and brings the best out in my game and in my interactions with the audience.
Venise Chan: Yes! I usually play my best in front of the crowd, too. Now as you know I am going back to Hong Kong, any tips on how you think pickleball in Hong Kong and Asia can grow?
Irina Tereschenko: The growth of pickleball is directly related to the availability of courts. So I would encourage everyone in Asia to re-purpose exercising tennis and badminton courts for a multi-sport experience that includes pickleball. Most tennis clubs in the United States have added pickleball to their existing programming. Second element is building new courts through recreation departments, schools, and universities. Last piece of the puzzle is having legends like you share their experiences on professional tour, hosting tournaments, educating coaches, and bringing in top players from around the world to showcase and promote the sport.
Venise Chan: Due to change of plan, I didn’t get to partner with you in Tournament of Champions as planned! Any plans for you to teach and play in tournaments in Asia in 2022/2023?
Irina Tereschenko: Yes, I can’t wait to go back to Asia in the near future. My ideal trip would combine playing in a pickleball tournament in Asia, teaching some clinics, promoting the sport and creating some media buzz, and having a great time sightseeing. You and I will play doubles again and dominate in Asia!
