Lifes a Beach

Life's a Beach

Aug 20, 2009

Matthias Mellitzer recently changed from indoor to beach volleyball, and he and Clemens Doppler continue to improve their results this season. The 28-year-old Austrian also proves he is multi-talented and quick-witted off the court as he is on it

Serve
“The first part of play and thus the most important element in the game. At the moment, I’m doing a lot of work on the flatter serve. But in winter, I’ll be working really hard on the jump serve in order to be able to put the opposition under more pressure right from the start.”

Receiving
“A new element of play for me. As an indoor player, I haven’t really practised it in the last five years. But on the beach, it’s an important part of the game.”

Blocking
“My biggest strength. I’m very happy with my blocking ability at the moment.”

Muscle aches
“I suffered in particular from aching muscles at the tournament in Klagenfurt.”

Clemens Doppler
“An amazing beach volleyball player and absolutely the right choice of partner for me in my changeover to beach. Off court, we have a few things in common as well: we’re both the same age, the same height and have similar tastes in music.”

Success
“I’m convinced that Clemens and I will be very successful in the coming years.”

Disappointment
“Every loss is bitter. It particularly hurts when you know that you could have won a match. I always set myself high standards.”

Family
“Since my son was born, it has become even more important to me. To be a father is a totally new feeling. It’s just a shame that I’m travelling a lot at the moment and can’t see my family very often.”

Idol
“I admire sporting greats like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer who dominate their sport and have achieved amazing feats.”

Marco Solustri
“A new coach that I’m totally enthusiastic about. He’s a freak – in the positive sense! – and it’s fun to train with him.”

Klagenfurt
“Unique fans, fantastic atmosphere – absolutely the best tournament on the World Tour.”

London
“Team Doppler/Mellitzer are programmed for success in London at the 2012 Olympics. It’ll be my first time at the Games and I’d love to compete for a medal.”

Moers
“The change to Moers in the German Bundesliga for volleyball was a good decision. Each week, there are difficult games and the crowd’s enthusiasm is amazing. As well as that, the year abroad was a valuable experience for me.”

Motivation
“If things aren’t going so well in training, I think about what I still want to achieve. That motivates me enough.”

Dreams
“Important for anyone who want to reach their goals. To read the news headline ‘Doppler and Mellitzer win gold’ is one of my dreams.”

The future
“I hope that my private life will continue the way it has been going. When it comes to sport, I want to invest everything I can to realise my dreams.”