10 QUESTIONS TO... GOSIA FRYDRYCH

Before she steps onto the court, you first hear her loud voice and infectious laughter. Once you see her, she greets you with a broad smile and her good energy. On the court, she is a fighter to the very end, and off it, she is a woman with a big heart for others.

Such is the next participant in our mini-interview – GOSIA FRYDRYCH – organiser of amateur tennis tournaments on the courts of the Spójnia Górna in Warsaw.

Kamila Borowska: Gosia, you have been successfully organising tennis tournaments for years, well known in the Warsaw community. In fact, there is not a month that an event is not held. Where did the idea come from?

Gosia Frydrych: Yes… I have been organising tournaments if my memory doesn’t deceive me since 2014 or 2015 which is almost 10 years now, or maybe longer. The idea came from the fact that the girls, like the men, also wanted to play for points. 10 years ago (maybe even earlier) there was a very thriving Grand Prix of Warsaw with a lot of men’s tournaments, but no women’s tournaments, and girls also wanted to play on points. After all, the essence of any sport is competition. Girls come to tournaments presenting different levels of tennis, but undoubtedly most of them are passionate about tennis. We all sacrifice a lot of time, health and money to improve our skills, so it was only natural that we also wanted somewhere to test our level and acquired skills. And so, together with Daria Zawadzka, a coach from MTC, we reactivated the women’s competition in Warsaw. I can’t forget to mention Krzysiu Zarzycki – the owner of the Spójnia Górna Courts – who gave me a helping hand back then. He is the greatest tennis enthusiast I have ever met in my life, he is beautifully infectious with this passion, has a vast knowledge of tennis and is very open to various sports ideas. He often supports the organisation of tournaments at the Spójnia Górna in various ways, above all by making the facility available to us for many hours.

Can anyone take part in such a tournament, or are there any specific requirements in terms of level of play?

Anyone can play in my tournaments, regardless of their level. It’s supposed to be a celebration of tennis first and foremost, leaving aside the fact that just meeting other people is already a great celebration – something we perhaps often forget. My philosophy is that anyone can come to a tournament to test themselves. At a tournament, you can play with someone you wouldn’t have the chance to play with under normal life circumstances – if only because of the difference in level. At present, my tournaments are organised as part of the Mazowsze Grand Prix and there are, of course, regulations to which I must adhere. Within these regulations I can already admit anyone who meets the requirements and wants to play often even at the price of a solid beating – but that’s the way the sport is. 20 pairs play, only one can win. It’s the same in the pros. Nevertheless, people come to these tournaments, also in my opinion because of the atmosphere. And the atmosphere, I always say, is created by people. I’m just lucky to have nice people in my life.

It’s true – it’s always friendly and fun at your tournaments. On the other hand, I am curious as to how your tennis adventure started?

Through a boy I used to date. He played tennis, showed me how to play and I fell in love with the sport. I generally got into all the sports I’ve coached in my life always through men 🙂 Anyway, without a doubt, tennis is my biggest passion in life.

And what are your tennis strengths?

Let me start by saying that I don’t really play singles anymore due to knee problems, instead I play a lot of doubles, which I love! So my biggest asset is a good partner 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 and I can be terrible on the court 🙂

And seriously, I think the will to fight and the tenacity on the court. My favourite play is the drive, I like to play forehand. However, it’s hard to say that these are assets. In our tournaments there are a lot of former players who have played since they were kids and they have a much better technique than the amateurs, that is, than me as well. In tennis, technique is important. A technically well executed stroke is followed by the quality of play.

The most important thing, however, is that we should never forget that it is also supposed to be a good or, above all, fun this amateur tennis game of ours.

Terrible on court… Knowing you, I find that hard to believe 😉 However, I understand that the game itself brings up a lot of emotions, especially if you lose. So how do you motivate yourself if a match doesn’t go your way?

Well yes, I’m a terrible freak on the court!!!!

When it doesn’t go I try to calm my emotions and think about the game, focus. Also, I’m lucky to have supportive partners, and that’s very important in doubles. Anyway, in life too – true friends are treasures.

What tennis moment was so special to you that you would like to keep it in your memory forever?

It’s a difficult question for me to answer because I enjoy the game itself, just bouncing the ball on the court already gives me great joy. I love playing tennis and I’m lucky with the people I play with. Overwhelming, over-indulgent – positive tennis freaks! Such doubles sparring matches together are the best moments of my life.

Winning matches is the most fun, because it is the crowning achievement of the effort we put into the sport. It is known that this is amateur tennis, but many of my friends – like me – put a lot of time, health and money into this passion of ours. Winning a tournament is therefore a reward for this effort. And these are the most enjoyable moments, because apart from the fact that each of us is passionate about this beautiful sport, there is no doubt that most of us also have sporting ambitions.

Speaking of ambition on the court – your favourite tennis player is…? What do you particularly appreciate about her/his game?

At the moment, of course, Iga Swiatek. I believe that soon there will not be a Polish tennis player who will achieve as much on court as Iga. And after all, she still has a lot of time ahead of her to pursue a sporting career! She is amazing!!! She has an amazing psyche on the court, as she showed in the match against Osaka. Regardless of everything else – that is, whether someone likes her style of play or not, for this moment and for those players who are currently playing in the round her tennis is very effective. I think absolutely Iga should be admired for what she has achieved.

I’m also a bit retro, so of the older generation tennis players, I adore Stefi Graff, for her forehand, one-handed slayed backhand, style of play and head on court – in other words, I love her for everything! And also for her achievements, as she has probably achieved the most of all women’s tennis players. However, it is also important to remember that women’s tennis when Steffi Graff was playing was different to what it is today – it was more combination-based, less forceful.

Of the men, of course Roger Federer for everything – the way he played and what he achieved!

Of all the courts available in the world, which one would you like to play on?

If I had the right opportunity I would like to visit all the courts where the Grand Slam tournaments take place, but I would like to play at Roland Garros. It’s a clay court there and I love playing on clay, it’s my favourite tennis surface.

It has been known for a long time that ‘if you don’t play good enough, you’re going to look fabulous at least ’ 😉 How do you approach the subject of outfit on court? Does it matter what you play in, or do you put on whatever is closest at hand and it’s ok too?

Oh… certainly like every girl or woman I like to look nice, and undoubtedly the outfit influences this. When you feel good in an outfit and you like it, I think it also gives you confidence, which in life and on the court we all need in addition to our skills, of course. Colourful outfits give you positive energy, which is something you can’t do without on the court. Above all, the outfit must be comfortable, especially the sporty one.

So after analysing the question 😉 I come to the conclusion that what we play in undoubtedly makes a difference!

Finally, I would like to know if you have any particular tennis challenges for 2024?

I don’t have any particular ones, I would like to stay healthy so that I can play tennis for as long as possible. On the other hand, of course I dream to be in the final part of the draw in one of our amateur doubles or mixed tournaments 🙂 🙂 🙂

And it’s a specific dream 😊 May it come true as soon as possible!

Thank you for the interview!