Interview with Ilija Lupulesku

USA Men’s Singles & Doubles Champion
By Larry Hodges  

• 1988 Olympic Silver Medalist, Men’s Doubles

• 2002, 2003 and 2005 USA Men’s Singles Champion

• 2003, 2004 and 2005 USA Men’s Doubles Champion

• 2003 USA Mixed Doubles Champion

• 2002 U.S. Open Elite Singles and Over 30 Champion

• 2001 & 2002 North American Team Champion

• 2000 European Mixed Doubles Finalist, Men’s Doubles Finalist

• 1998 European Mixed Doubles Champion, Men’s Doubles Finalist

• 1992 European Men’s Doubles Semifinalist

• 1991 World Team Championship Silver Medalist

• 1990 European Men’s Doubles Champion, 3-time Runner-up

• 1987 World Championships Men’s Doubles Finalist, Team Semifinalist

• Two-time European Mixed Doubles Champion, 2-time Runner-up.

• Four-time Yugoslavian Men’s Singles Champion,

• 10-time Yugoslavian National Team Champion        

• 10-time Yugoslavian Men’s Doubles and 10-time Mixed Doubles Champion

• Highest World Ranking: #18

• 2004 USATT Male Athlete of the Year

Date of Birth:            Oct 30, 1967
Height:                       5'9"
Weight:                      180
Equipment:                Killerspin Nitrx 5Z Max sponge, Killerspin Stilo blade, Killerspin Propel glue
Sponsor:                     Killerspin

You went 28-2 in games at the Nationals in winning the Men’s Singles for the third time in four years. How did you prepare? How was it different from last year, when you didn’t win?
This year I played extensively in Germany and worked on my conditioning.  I practiced regularly with my teammate Alexandar Karakasevic.  His game has improved quite a bit and he is a really good practice partner. This helped me prepare for the Nationals.  

Although you beat him 4-0 in the Men’s Singles Final, Mark Hazinski was the only player to get games off you in the event (losing 4-2 in the Final Twelve Round Robin). The two of you also won Men’s Doubles. How is his game coming along, and what does he need to do to jump up a level?
Mark has improved a lot, he is much stronger than last year.  Marks needs higher level practice partners, regular coaching, regular competition and a little better footwork.  Mark is getting a lot better but still needs to improve on some of the finer points of the game. Johnny Huang and myself who are the senior members of the Killerspin Sponsored players are really interested in helping our younger players like Mark, Barney Reed and Adam Hugh improve.  We will also be creating a plan for Freddie Gabriel, who we have just signed as the newest member of the Killerspin Crew (Killerspin Sponsored Players).  

At the Nationals, what players are your toughest matches, where you could be in danger if you don’t play well?  
This year I was really well prepared.  I have been practicing and competing against some of the World’s top players, so I felt very confident.  Mark gave me a good match the first time we played, but I was well prepared, so I was really ready.

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