Freshman Ken Skupski, originally from Liverpool, England, has come a long way to play tennis at LSU.
LSU Coach Jeff Brown said assistant coach Mark Booras spotted Skupski at the Wimbledon Junior’s Championship, which featured some of the world’s best amateur players.
Booras knew Skupski had talent when he saw him defeat Robin Soderling, who is currently ranked in men’s competition.
Brown said Skupski has contributed great attitude and leadership in addition to his play and has met the coaches’ expectations.
“He’s played extremely well, he’s come in his first year of play, getting several wins,” Brown said. “They’re all valuable players, but Ken gives us a guy that’ll be competitive in every match against everyone. That allows everyone else to be competing at a position they may be overqualified to compete.”
Skupski also contributes to the team in doubles matches.
Doubles partner Sebastian Rutka is comfortable playing with Skupski because he knows he can trust Skupski, both on and off the court.
“We’ve got a great team and we know what we need from each other,” Rutka said. “We both know that we can rely on each other. He motivates me to play better, and I always know that he will be supportive in games and push me to work harder in practice.”
Skupski said he remains optimistic about upcoming tournaments, despite disappointing peformances by his standards in the Coaches’ Southeastern Conference Indoor Tournament, where Skupski lost in the third round in singles competition and the first round in doubles.
“I think I did OK but the first match was pretty tough,” Skupski said. “We’ve talked about [the tournament]. The level of play in the SEC will be good, and this was a good learning curve to show us how we need to play the rest of the season.”
Despite his accomplishments, the six-time local player of the year in Liverpool said he has some unfinished team and individual goals.
Skupski said he wants to have winning records in both singles and doubles competition by the end of the season, but points to team goals
first.
Skupski attributes his father, a professional soccer player in England, to teaching him how to have the mindset and prepare like a
professional.
“He’s shown me how to approach things, and how to have a proper work ethic,” Skupski said. “He shows me what it takes to be the best and he’s always very supportive.”
Brown said the possibilities are endless for Skupski, because of his talent and his attitude.
“He’s done what we hoped he’d do up to this point,” Brown said. “The possibilities are endless.”