The Mighty Ducks, Rocky, Average Joe’s Gym, and even the Karate Kid. Everyone loves an underdog. An unlikely hero (or heroine!) goes up against seemingly impossible odds with a predictable yet satisfying outcome. It’s why we watch films on repeat. It inspires hope and shows us that the little guy or gal always has a shot no matter the circumstances.
As I’ve progressed through my career so far, it has become increasingly unlikely that I am the underdog going into a tournament. A lot of the time my world ranking secures me a seeded position in the draw and the weight of expectation, from myself and others, settles squarely and heavily on my shoulders. So normally I find myself in the shoes of the hunted rather than the hunter. Having said that, it’s a privileged position to be in and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Last year, after a string of good results, I climbed to 14 in the world and slotted into the second seed spot in the draw at the European Championships quite comfortably. I had a smidge of plantar fasciitis but once the adrenaline kicked in I was scurrying around the court as usual. I went home from the competition with a silver medal and, although there was an underlying twinge of disappointment, I was content. I had done exactly what was expected of me.
This year, however, my feelings going into the same competition held in Denmark this week are drastically different. I am, to a certain extent, the underdog.
Following my knee operation and only four international tournaments under my belt I am teetering on the periphery of the seeded positions. My name in the draw is accompanied by a little No.7, therefore it is anticipated that I will reach the quarter finals. In all honesty, I had hoped to be seeded higher but I think it’s a fair reflection of my current form. It’s nice to have less external pressure put upon my performance. It will allow me to play freely and relax into the experience.
From a personal perspective, if I can confidently incorporate the new elements of play that our new head coach, Tat Mong Wong has brought to my game and focus solely on performance rather than the outcome, then the results will take care of themselves. This time, I'm content to revel in being the underdog.
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