The Omnibus

Quick chat with Dante Cipulli

Issue date: 5/6/04 Section: Sports

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Southwest Baptist University junior Dante Cipulli, the number one ranked singles player on the SBU men's tennis team, was recently interviewed by the Omnibus. Cipulli is currently ranked number two in the nation in singles and was named the MIAA's Most Valuable Player this year. He was born and raised in Tucuman, Argentina.

Omnibus: At what age did you start playing tennis?

Cipulli: I started playing at age nine when my dad took me to a tennis professional.

Omnibus: When did you start playing competitive tennis?

Cipulli: When I was 13, I started playing in regional tournaments in Argentina. At age 15, I won my first regional tournament.

Omnibus: What do you attribute your success to at such a young age?

Cipulli: In Argentina, they do not have sports associated with schools. When I was a teenager, I played tennis everyday at Tucuman Lawn and Tennis Club. My coach there helped me a lot and I was playing everyday.

Omnibus: What did you do with your tennis right after you got out of high school?

Cipulli: I played Futures (low level pro tournaments) around Argentina, Chili and other places around South America. Then, in 2000 ,I went to Florida with my coach to play tournaments around the Florida coast. I traveled and played with my coach in Florida for about a year.

Omnibus: How did you end up at SBU?

Cipulli: My coach from Argentina knew the coach from here (SBU) and that's how I ended up at SBU.

Omnibus: This year you have only lost one match. Why do you think you have played so well this year?

Cipulli: I have a higher level of motivation. Two of our best players are leaving after this year (Andras Bori, Mark Eori), so now is the time (to play my best). I also get encouragement from my doubles partner Johan Nortje. He pumps me up before every match.

Omnibus: How do you feel going into Orlando this year? Do you think you can win every match?

Cipulli: Definitely. There is a high level of confidence on this team and I want to win for them.

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