It’s a new week and a new beginning for 15-year-old Bay Area native CiCi Bellis. Last Monday at this time, she was an impressive junior prospect, preparing to make her Slam debut. Today, she’s a media sensation with 8,000 more Twitter followers, after just two matches: a Iightning-bolt defeat of No. 12 seed and Aussie Open finalist Dominika Cibulkova, and a nationally-televised three-set battle against another seed, Zarina Diyas.
This morning, Bellis was back on the court, as the top seed in the US Open’s girls tournament, taking her first match in 65 minutes.. “It would mean everything to me to win,” the national girls’ 18s and Easter Bowl champ said afterward. “I haven’t won a [junior] Slam yet, so winning the junior US Open would be amazing.” As for the pressure of being the hunted instead of the hunter, Bellis embraces it: “I love being the first seed. I play better that way, being a target. It’s better for me … I feel more confident.”
IT’s Bill Simons caught up with Bellis and asked about her Northern California roots, some close encounters with idols, and the challenges of being a teen phenom. (Additional reporting by Lucia Hoffman.)
Have any players come forward and contacted you this past week?
Before my second round match, Kim Clijsters called. She is my favorite player of all time. She said, “Hi CiCi, this is Kim Clijsters, I don’t know if you’ve heard of me before.” It was so funny.
What’s the best part of being CiCi Bellis?
Everything. I love competing at this tournament, and having people on the street coming up to me and asking, “Are you Cici Bellis?” It’s kind of weird, but I love it. It’s amazing.
When you look in the mirror, do you think this past week is incredible?
Definitely. After my first match, I could barely sleep there was so much excitement going on. I am staying in the same room with my hitting partner, and she couldn’t sleep either. It was crazy.
Did it seem unreal?
Yes.
Cibulkova was the Aussie Open finalist, did you think you could bring her down?
After I saw in the draw that I was getting a pretty tough match, I just came out, played my game, and it turned out very well.
There used to be this great tradition with teen phenoms: Chrissie Evert, Tracy Austin, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Jennifer Capriati, Venus and Serena. Recently, it has been very different. Are you sort of aware of the mine fields, some of the problems that may be before you? Has your team talked to your about that?
Not really, We just kind of focus on my game in tennis, not think about anything else.
How would you describe your own game?
I think I am definitely aggressive and I wait for the right shot.
Talk about the the Bay Area—do you love the region? What does it mean to you?
I love the Bay Area. I would not want to ever live anywhere else.
Do you stick pretty much on the Peninsula [Bellis’ parents live in Atherton], or do you ever go out to the ocean?
I haven’t in a while. I’m mainly [at] home, when I’m [there].
What about the other young players in the game. What are your thoughts on Belinda Bencic, Eugenie Bouchard, or even Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens?
They are all amazing players, and I think they are doing amazing things for tennis and the game. I want to be like them one day. I want to be a successful pro. So if I just keep working as hard as they are, we will see how it goes.
When you see Serena, what do you think?
It’s surreal that I’m actually here.
You said you went to the Bank of the West Classic at Stanford early in your life. Do you remember any match you saw there?
When I was younger? I did a coin toss at a Maria Sharapova and Daniela Hantuchova match one year. It was three years ago.
What is your take on the San Francisco 49ers?
I love them. My dad and I both like them.
And what about quarterback Colin Kaepernick? Are you pro-Kaepernick?
Yes.
Do you think he looks a little bit like Nick Kygrios, the Aussie?
A little bit.
What do you think about Billie Jean King?
She’s so motivational.
How about the Orange and Black, the San Francisco Giants?
I love them. We try to go to a baseball game every once in a while.
Do you think USTA Player Development is they doing a good job?
Yes, I think they are. One of my coaches, Leo Azevedo, is with them.
If the tennis gods give you the choice of winning any of the Slams for the first time, which one would you choose?
The US Open, for sure. The honor of being here is amazing.
Have you done anything fun while in Manhattan, have you gone out?
Yes, we went out to dinner one night, and we checked out everything.
Are people starting to recognize you on the street?
Yes, it’s unbelievable.
Since Brad Gilbert, Northern California has had some fine players but no great stars. There’s been a drought. Would you like to change that?
Yes, for sure. I’d definitely like to support the region and be the best I can be.
