Noah Rubin’s “Behind The Racquet” • With • Taro Daniel | Tennis 10sBalls

Editor’s note: 10sBalls thanks Noah Rubin for giving us permission to repost these great stories. We wish him and this endeavor the best of luck. Great seeing Noah wearing K-Swiss and playing Solinco Strings.

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“I definitely feel some true pressure. It’s mixed, mostly from myself, but also triggered a little bit by maybe some fans in Japan. I think I receive extra financial help or sponsors than most people around my ranking or even higher have. Sometimes I feel almost guilty for having them. You’d have players around my ranking struggling financially sometimes. I feel the pressure to keep on improving my ranking in order to maintain the status I have gained in Japan. Last year was basically the first year I made a satisfying amount of money. When I was younger I would think, ‘Hey, if I can make this much out of tennis a year, then I would be happy or satisfied and wouldn’t have to worry about money anymore. Then I can concentrate more on the process or improving’. When money or sponsors come into your life they bring new problems. There are unexpected problems that you’ve never dealt with, that I’ve had to deal with this year, that I’ve struggled with a bit more than anticipated. Last year was the first time I had ever gotten into some big TV shows in Japan and made a name for myself. I thought it would all change and become easier to succeed. Two or three years ago I felt really comfortable at the challenger level. I was now struggling to win matches even after getting my career high of 67. It’s weird because in the beginning you don’t pursue fame or recognition. I imagined it must be nice, but that’s not why I’m playing, and then you get a piece of it. I find that it’s like more of an unhealthy drug. When it’s not there anymore, you’re wondering where it went. Then in the back of your mind you’re thinking, a few months ago I was playing in this stadium at the US Open and a couple of weeks later I’m in the first round of a challenger with five people watching. I don’t think people realize how good all players are in the challenger level or the upper future levels. I’ve recently accepted the pressures I deal with after diving deep into my emotions. I figured out I just need to get in there and start facing them head on. That’s the only way.” –Taro Daniel

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You can follow Taro Daniel on the links below:

Facebook | Taro Daniel

Twitter | @tarodaniel93

Instagram | @tarodaniel

You can check out more Behind The Racquet stories on the link below:

Facebook | Behind The Racquet

Twitter | @BehindTRacquet

Instagram | @behindtheracquet