Q : Terry, how would you sum up the recent SEA Games campaign when you competed in the Team event?
Terry : I think overall it was a good experience and it’s always an honour to represent Singapore at a Major Games. Unfortunately due to the clashing schedule with the Sudirman Cup, we could only take part in the Team event in Cambodia 2023. And as the men played together, I could not partner with Jessica. But it was enjoyable playing with different partners. Everyone competed wholeheartedly and supported each other really well.
Q : Jessica, since the Mixed Doubles was not included at Cambodia 2023, was that a major setback for you?
Jessica : I don’t see it as a setback, but rather it’s just a missed opportunity. In its place, we participated in the Sudirman Cup instead, which comparatively was more beneficial as it had world ranking points which contributed to Olympic qualification.
Q: What have the both of you been working on, leading up to the Singapore Open?
Terry : We are currently working on the mental aspects of our game. For example, the kind of thinking that goes into motivating ourselves, when we are a number of points behind or keeping our feet on the throttle, when we are in the lead. Hopefully, we will be able to perform well on homeground before our fans in the Singapore Open.
Q : Which was your toughest or brightest moment in the last 5 months?
Jessica : To be honest, we think the last 5 months of performances are not really up to standard, especially when we have been ranked a career high of number 13 in the world. But we are regaining our form and momentum. We've been working on things to improve, and we are happy that it’s starting to show results.
TeamSG's mixed doubles pairing of Terry Hee and Jessica Tan at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Photo Credit : Sport Singapore
Q : Any regrets in the 2023 season so far?
Terry : There’s no regrets in what we do, as long as we give our 110% or even 200% every time we step on court! Win or lose, we have put in our best efforts.
Q : At the Singapore Open, how would you sum up the Mixed Doubles Draw?
Jessica : In our opening match, we will face Denmark's 17th-ranked Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Boje. It's always a tougher draw when you’re not seeded, but we are ready to give our opponents a good fight. We have come very close to beating some of the top-seeded players in recent tournaments, and we are confident that we can beat them.
Q : What is your target this time round in the SBO?
Terry : The target as always is to be able to perform well and go deep into any competition. Regardless of the outcome, we hope to give our home crowd and fans in Singapore a positive and memorable performance.
Q : A message to the Singapore fans?
Jessica : Thank you to all our fans in Singapore for all your support! We hope to again give you the high that Singapore collectively experienced in our Commonwealth Games gold medal match last July. See you soon at Singapore Open 2023 … and maybe we can grab a few wefies together!
TeamSG's Yeo Jia Min at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Photo Credit : Sport Singapore
Yeo Jia Min (Bronze medallist, 2022 Commonwealth Games)
Q : We’re almost at the halfway mark of the 2023 season. How would you describe your campaign so far?
Jia Min : I would say that it’s been a value adding season so far, because I’m learning and improving my game from every match.
Q : Which was your toughest or brightest moment in the last 5 months?
Jia Min : I would say winning the Polish Open in late March! It was a week where I found momentum and confidence in myself again.
Q : What did you take back from the recent SEA Games campaign?
Jia Min : In the SEA Games team event, I played the first singles match for the team. And I felt that there was some growth in me, as I was able to compete without letting the pressure get to me like before.
TeamSG's Yeo Jia Min at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Photo Credit : Sport Singapore
Q : At the upcoming Singapore Open, how would you sum up the Women’s Singles Draw?
Jia Min : It’s an exciting draw with all the top players coming to compete in Singapore. In the bottom half of the draw, I will face 17th ranked Zhang Yi Man (CHN) in the round-of-32. And the top half comprises, World no 1 Akane Yamaguchi (JPN), defending champion PV Sindhu (IND) and the recently crowned SEA Games gold medallist, Supanida Katethong (THA).
Q : What is your target this time round?
Jia Min : Knowing that there will be difficult situations on court , my target is to overcome them and find ways to win.
Q : A message to the Singapore fans?
Jia Min : I hope you all could come to give us support and to meet with many of you this Singapore Open!