Holding Serve with David Anving
4/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
As the tennis season winds down, senior co-captain David Anving is putting the finishing touches on memorable career at Michigan. This season, Anving has put together an impressive10-2 overall doubles record, includinga 7-2dual match mark withfellowclassmate Vinny Gossain to lead the Wolverines at the No. 3 spot. In singles action, Anving recorded his 50th career victory in February by defeating Northwestern's Matt Christian, 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2.
During his junior year, Anving led the team in dual match victories with 15, making it his second straight year to do so. That same season, Anving was able to knock off Illinois No. 104-ranked Michael Calkins 6-2, 6-1, to post a 16-10 overall singles record.
Anving has not only excelled on the tennis court, but also in the classroom. He was named Academic All-Big Ten Conference the past two seasons and has earned the U-M Athletic Academic Achievement award the last three years. Currently enrolled in the nationally-recognized Stephen M. Ross School of Business, Anving is finishing up his degree in business administration.
Between practice and his study group, Anving sat down in the players lounge to talk about his doubles peformance this season, his favorite Michigan tennis moment, and what he misses mostabout Sweden.
How did you begin playing tennis
"I grew up in Sweden. We were one of the best nations in the world for tennis in the 80's and 90's. I grew up watching people like Stefan Edberg and Mats Wilander. A lot of people started playing. First off, I started against the wall or played against friends in parking lots. Soon I started to play ina club when I was eight years old and it went from there."
Who has been the biggest influence on your game
"The biggest influence I have had would be some of my coaches. For example, I had a coach from age 11 through 18. He helped me out a lot. He always gave me encouragement when I was younger. He became a good friend of my family's and I still keep in touch with him, not so much as a tennis coach anymore."
What was your favorite tennis moment prior to arriving at Michigan
"When I won the regional Donald Duck Cup. I won that when I was 11, 13 and 15. After winning the region you would go to the final. It was always very prestigious to win the region, as you would represent them with five other people for a week. The first time was the most enjoyable."
Why did you choose to attend Michigan
"I knew the academics were very good and that was my main priority. The tennis program also had a lot of history. I knew people like MaliVai Washington played here. The facilities were also very good. Also, since Michigan was a big school, I knew it would provide a lot socially."
What do you miss mostabout home
"Obviously family and friends. Apart from that, I really miss the sea and jumping in the water. In the summers you spend your days at the beach, running on the beach."
What has been you greatest tennis moment at Michigan
"The best moment was probably during my sophomore year when we beat Tulsa on the road. We played a really good match and everyone fought hard. We had been struggling before that. That would have to be my best moment."
What changes have you seen in the program this year
"We practice a lot harder and it is more disciplined."
What are your thoughts on the current season
"I think we have done well, but we have also lost a lot of close matches. So far we are 7-3 in the Big Ten and that I see is a real positive. Hopefully this weekend we will be able to win some of the close matches."
What is it like playing doubles with teammate Vinny Gossain
"It is really fun to play with Vinny. We are really good friends off the court. He is good at the net and I have good returns. We are both energetic and make for a good combination. It has been a lot of fun."
Which do you prefer more, singles or doubles
"I like them both for different reasons. In singles, everything comes down to you. In doubles, it is more energetic."
Who has been your biggest influence in life
"My deceased grandfather named Elving, because he has always believed in
my abilities and given me a lot of support."
What is in your CD payer right now
"Swedish music."
What has been your favorite class at Michigan
"International Management, taught by a PhD student. It was very, very good and was of great interest to me. He demanded a lot out of the students."
What is the name of your racket
"The Swedish Viking."
Previous Player Features
Contact: Marc Ressler (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
