At the Amazons Table Tennis Tournament in celebration of the International Women’s Day, tennis player Nwajiagah Omeruo aka NJ opened up in an interview about how tennis has shaped her life.
Omeruo, who has been playing for about 12 years, said, “On the court, I’ve learned to react quickly, improve my agility and build stamina, and these qualities help me off the court too. To me, tennis is a lifestyle,” She told Sports247.
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Omeruo credited tennis legend Serena Williams as her biggest inspiration. “Serena Williams is a black woman who has conquered tennis for years. When I started, I even got nicknamed Serena because of my size. Her zeal and joy in the game drove me to be better every day,” she explained.
Reflecting on her mental preparation before matches, Nwajiagah added, “I listen to music and pump myself up; that helps me focus and perform at my best.” She also discussed the role of tennis in motivating girls and women, saying, “Tennis demands intentional effort. When I was told I looked more like a tennis player than an actual tennis player, it pushed me to remove branded items, wear normal clothes, and learn the game. That moment sparked my journey to become a good tennis player.”
Looking to the future, she expressed excitement about competing in more matches, noting, “The turnout today was amazing with over 72 players. This event has set a new standard in female tennis. I hope it inspires every girl to take up the sport because it’s great for fitness and mental health.”
Nwajiagah Omeruo’s passion and determination resonated with everyone at the event, making it a memorable celebration of International Women’s Day and the power of sports to transform lives.
