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Inside Hokie Sports
“For them, it was harder,” she admitted. “They
always supported me, even though I am an only
child. They thought that the worse case is you learn
a second language perfectly. Even though it’s a jump
in the dark, it’s [coming to Virginia Tech] going to
be okay.”
While she adjusted to a new lifestyle and new
language, Fusinato also noticed a drastic difference
in regards to the style of tennis. At its core, tennis is
an individual sport, but Fusinato found herself on a
team with different objectives—winning for the sake
of the group and not the individual.
“It was very much an individual sport in Italy, especially since I was
the only girl,” she said. “Here, it is more structured as a team sport. A
lot of times, it’s about how the team can improve. It’s great to have the
motivation from the other girls.”
Fast forward four years later, and Fusinato has posted a career
dual match record of 45-27 in singles matches (as of March 1). She
is 27-15 when playing at the No. 1 spot and has knocked off multiple
ranked opponents, including the No. 6-ranked player from Miami a
few years ago.
However, there is no victory more special than the win she earned
a year ago against Eidukonyte. Gomez talked about that day, which he
still remembers well.
“I was coaching her court that day,” he said. “I remember that I didn’t
have to say much to her at all. She was playing her usual good, focused
tennis and played a great match. She won, and I was very happy for
her. That win says that she can beat anyone in this league. The most
interesting thing was that it seemed very routine for Fusi.”
Despite her charming personality, Fusinato possesses a competitive
streak. Perhaps that comes from playing with and against the boys in
Feltre, or from her father, who may have instilled it in her.
After losing to Eidukonyte in two previous matches, she convinced
Zawacki-Woods and Gomez to give her another shot.
“I played that girl twice before, and the first time I lost really easily,”
she said. “The second time, I lost after coming back from an injury. I
always played No. 2 on the team, and before the match, I asked coach
if I could play this girl. She had a game that I liked. Coach said I could
play No. 1, and she [Zawacki-Woods] put me there.”
When asked, Fusinato said that match still stands as her biggest
accomplishment in tennis.
“I’ve beaten WTA [Women’s Tennis Association] players, but
because of the importance that the result had in this environment, I
would say so,” she said.
Fusinato currently is focused on this season and the goals the team
has set. Tech wrapped up non-conference play with a respectable 7-2
mark, which included wins over Clemson, Purdue and West Virginia.
One of the Hokies’ losses came against then-No. 9 Vanderbilt—one of
the best teams in the country.
Now, the goal for her and Sansitha Nandakumar—the lone two
seniors on a young squad—is to keep things moving in the right
direction.
“The No. 1 goal is to make it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAAs,” she said.
She has the same personal goal as well.
While the life of an athlete can be hectic and busy, Fusinato still
takes time to play her guitar—a favorite hobby—and watch the NBA’s
San Antonio Spurs. Her favorite song to play is “Wonderwall” by Oasis,
an English rock band. She also spoke about her fandom for the Spurs.
“I really like Manu Ginobili and the system,” she said.
Her other hobbies include cooking, according to those around her.
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