Long Island Tennis Magazine’s Junior Player Spotlight on Steven Sun
Glen Cove, N.Y. native Steven Sun is 12-years-old and is ranked seventh in the country in the USTA 12 and Under Division. After watching his practice session with his tennis coach, Maurice Trail, it’s easy to see why Steven has been so successful.
Steven’s nickname is "The Machine,” a name that derives from his work ethic in practice. Steven practices six days a week for two-plus hours a day on average, in addition to fitness and conditioning work three days a week. On the day he was interviewed by Long Island Tennis Magazine during his practice session, we personally witnessed Steven hit 1,500 balls (varying shots) without taking a break … hence the nickname “The Machine.” His training sessions try to simulate those of Steven’s favorite player, Rafael Nadal. In the summer, Steven spends his training time at Advanced Tennis Camp run by his coach Maurice Trail.
Steven started playing tennis at the age of four, with his older brother and family friends and immediately fell in love with the sport. From playing recreationally, he made the transition to serious tournament player. He has been with his current coach Maurice Trail for five years now, and he continues to evolve as a player. Steven is a baseliner whose biggest strength is his groundstrokes. His game is well-rounded and there is no shot he cannot hit while acknowledging that he is always looking for ways to improve his overall level of play.
According to Steven’s coach Maurice Trail, the number one thing he believes that can take Steven to the next level would be a stronger mental game.
"Closing out matches is the key for him,” said Trail. “He needs to keep his level of play strong throughout the entire match. No mental lapses. If he continues to work hard physically and improves mentally, 2013 will be a big year for Steven. He could be number one in the nation in his age group." Maurice said Steven’s most telling match of the year actually came in defeat.
"Steven is ranked seventh in the nation, so obviously he had many big wins this year, but he needs to keep his focus at all times,” said Trail. “The match I remember the most from this year was one where he was playing against the fourth ranked player in the nation and Steven took the first set. He couldn’t hold on though and subsequently lost in three sets. If he can keep his focus throughout the match, he will win those matches and begin to reach his full potential."
Off the court, Steven likes to read, mainly sports-related books. On the court, he is coming off two of his biggest victories, having won two Nationals in Georgia. He says his most memorable tennis moment was the latest National victory and he is looking forward to traveling and playing more Nationals this coming year. Steven says, for the immediate future, “My goal for 2013 is to win a Super National." As for the distant future, "I want to play college tennis, and of course, go pro as well."
