SigEp Makes it to Final Round of US Open Qualifier
Chris Lysiuk, NYU ’15, isn’t afraid of hard work. Whether it’s competing in robotics competitions or on the tennis court, Lysiuk strives to be the best. So when he had the chance to compete in the U.S. Open tennis qualifiers this past summer, he knew he had to pursue the opportunity. We caught up with Lysiuk to find out about what drives him to compete and make it to the final round of the US Open qualifiers.
What was it like to compete at the US Open?
My parents wanted me to focus on school rather than athletics, but I've always wanted to be a professional athlete. New York has fed my desire even more to pursue professional tennis because NYU is where the U.S. Open is played. So when I play, I think of all the great tennis players that have played on those courts. You definitely feel that electricity in the air.
At first I was worried going into the qualifiers because I knew the competition would be extremely tough. Luckily it was summer, so I could focus on my tennis. My coach lives in Hawaii, where I originally train. But hitting with some of my college coaches and hitting against a wall were the best ways I could train. I was also in the gym every day making sure to be in tiptop shape to compete.
On competition day, I was nervous and had the shakes. I was warming up and I didn't feel like I could even hit a single ball. But I dug deep and snapped my nerves, trying to tell myself that I have trained so hard. Once I hit the court it wasn't me playing. I felt possessed. I felt like every live match I've watched of my favorite player, Roger Federer, was being pumped into my brain. I was hitting shots that cannot be taught by practice, but come from instinct. I felt unbeatable. And as opponents went by, I was starting to feel invincible.
As the bracket shrank the intensity increased, and I was beaten in the final round of qualifications for the U.S. Open. People always beat themselves up for losing, but I felt like I was given a new outlook on my own tennis. I knew what it took to win. I developed better control of my nerves and thought on court. And I knew how to fight. This tournament has driven me even more to pursue tennis in some way in my life. I love being on court. Once I step on, I feel as though I am in my own little world and that nothing can disturb me.
What is your major and what do you hope to do after graduation?
I am a mechanical engineer major. I was always curious to know how things worked and how to make them better or to create something else out of them. That led to a strong connection to robotics. My high school had entered us in the FIRST Robotics competition, which is called the "Super Bowl of Robotics." We won two state titles allowing us to contend in the international competitions, which really fed my desire to continue in the field of robotics. As I saw all types of robots and their design process and application, I knew this is what I wanted to do in the future. So after graduation, I hope to be in the robotics-engineering field where I may be able to change society with an engineering marvel that can make the world a better place.
With such an intense major, how do you fit in tennis?
I had a problem with organizing my schedule growing up. But as I got into college, things became a bit easier, and I think it’s because you have to grow up real fast in college. I was able to organize my schedule to allow me to do what I want and need to do. SigEp helped me with this through the idea of being a Balanced Man. A Sound Body and a Sound Mind are key, so I find no excuse to not do both. The set schedule and meetings allowed me to build upon my lifestyle, create an organized life, and have a happier college experience.
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