Malaysia's new mixed doubles pair seeks chemistry ahead of Japan Open

Malaysia's national mixed doubles coach, Nova Widianto, is tempering expectations for the newly formed partnership of Chen Tang Jie and Clarissa San as they prepare for their debut at the Japan Open next month. While acknowledging that the pair is still in the process of building chemistry, Widianto noted that their progress in training sessions has been encouraging.

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Although the preparation is not yet at its maximum, their development so far has been quite good.

"Although the preparation is not yet at its maximum, their development so far has been quite good," Widianto stated. He has advised both Tang Jie and Clarissa not to place excessive pressure on themselves. "The important thing is they give their best. Looking at their training and preparation, I hope they can go further. Of course, we also hope for a good draw and don't meet the best players too early," he added.

The decision to pair Tang Jie with the young Clarissa was based on their compatible playing styles, which Widianto sees as closely resembling those of Toh Ee Wei, who is currently injured. "If I look at it, Clarissa has a playing style that is almost the same as Ee Wei. Maybe Ee Wei is more mature and smarter when making decisions on the court. But in terms of playing style, Clarissa is almost the same. She is a playmaker, and that's why I want to try her with Tang Jie," the coach explained.

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The important thing is they give their best. Looking at their training and preparation, I hope they can go further. Of course, we also hope for a good draw and don't meet the best players too early.

Widianto believes Clarissa possesses good mental strength for her first World Tour appearance, despite not having competed in major tournaments with Tang Jie before. "If it's about mental strength, I think it's okay. Maybe Ee Wei is braver because she has more experience. This is Clarissa's first major tournament, so we will see how she handles the pressure. But I see she is very enthusiastic and wants to use this opportunity to gain experience. She doesn't show any fear," he said.

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If I look at it, Clarissa has a playing style that is almost the same as Ee Wei. Maybe Ee Wei is more mature and smarter when making decisions on the court. But in terms of playing style, Clarissa is almost the same. She is a playmaker, and that's why I want to try her with Tang Jie.

Furthermore, Widianto praised Tang Jie's evolving attitude, noting his readiness to assume the role of senior player in the partnership. "Tang Jie understands that he now needs to be the leader in this partnership. I have told him that because Clarissa is a young player, he needs to be stronger and help his new partner. He himself wants to work harder in training. That is a very good character, and I am happy to see that change," Widianto concluded.

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If it's about mental strength, I think it's okay. Maybe Ee Wei is braver because she has more experience. This is Clarissa's first major tournament, so we will see how she handles the pressure. But I see she is very enthusiastic and wants to use this opportunity to gain experience. She doesn't show any fear.