This upcoming season, the South Alabama men's tennis program will welcome two newcomers to the team. One of the two, freshman Tuki Jacobs joined the Jaguars in early August. The Windhoek, Namibia native spoke with USAJaguars.com about adapting to a new home and the biggest strengths of his game.
When did you start playing tennis?
"I started playing tennis when I was about seven years old. My parents wanted us to be involved in a lot of sports and as I got older I narrowed them down to the ones I liked and I ended up with tennis."
Why did you choose South Alabama?
"I chose South Alabama because it is a good school and I really liked the coach."
What do you enjoy most about the game of tennis?
"I really like the ability to travel. We get to go to a lot of new places. I also like getting to meet new people."
Other than tennis what are some things you're into off the court?
"I really like soccer. I enjoy team sports because tennis can be so individual so I like doing other things that involve teams."
What are your expectations of yourself this season?
"I want to work hard and I have some of my own personal goals, but I'll keep those to myself."
What professional players do you model your game after?
"Tomas Berdych. He is a very powerful guy and knows his strengths and uses them properly."
Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"My parents have had the biggest influence on my life. They have supported me in everything. My dad is tough on me, especially when he comes to my matches."
You have been living in Alabama for a couple of weeks now, how has that been and how does living in Alabama compare to living in Namibia?
"A big difference is the accents. I'll just have to get used to that. Sometimes people can't understand the way I speak and I can't understand the way they speak. The shops are bigger and there are a lot more pick-up trucks here."
What do you believe is the biggest strength of your game?
"My serve and forehand are my biggest strengths. I think those are the best because I dominate more with those two."
If you could play any other sport, what would it be?
"Like I mentioned before, I really like soccer. I like the team aspect of it so if I had to pick another sport it would definitely be soccer."
What are you majoring in here at South Alabama and what do you plan on doing after graduation?
"I am majoring in electrical engineering and afterwards I'm not sure what I want to do. It's going to be tough doing this major and tennis, but hopefully I can do it."
What has been the biggest adjustment for you in moving to the college level?
"It hasn't really been a big adjustment because back home my schooling was pretty similar to this."
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
—USA—
