KW: When did you start playing?
KL: I actually started quite late, around eight, but I’ve been playing non-stop ever since

KW: Is tennis difficult?
KL: No. It’s a lot easier than it looks - all you need is a bit of eye-hand coordination. And as soon as you can start rallying, it’s a fun game to play.

KW: Singles or doubles?
KL: I’ve always been a better doubles player - the fact that you have a partner next to you makes you feel that you’re not in the match by yourself. I feel supported.

KW: How about mixed doubles? Ever feel guilty when you hit the girl?
KL: Mixed is fun - at times I feel like I’m protecting my partner and I feel that I’m expressing my masculinity. No mercy when it’s a match.

KW: Do you prefer watching men’s or women’s tennis?
KL: I appreciate the technical aspects of the game - that’s why I prefer watching the men. But I can understand why people watch the women’s game. The female players are certainly more attractive.

KW: Tell me the difference between the men’s game and the women’s game then.
KL: The men’s game is definitely more physical and the standard of the players is quite even on the professional level. With the women’s game, you tend to see a lot more rallies, but the best players often dominate the circuit.

KW: Totally agree. Sharapova or Kournikova? Or Billie Jean King? If you must...
KL: That’s easy. Kournikova.

For more information about lessons and competitions, contact the Hong Kong Tennis Association, www.tennishk.org.