Coming off injury-plagued season, Bachini determined to stay on court

Breanna Bachini’s 6-0, 6-4 win Friday against Boston College’s Julia Casselbury wasn’t just a routine victory.

For the sophomore from Sacramento, Calif., the rout was the culmination of months of hard work to recover from injuries that threatened to end her tennis career.

“It was the most amazing feeling,” Bachini said. “Just being on the court. I can’t really describe the feeling, but it’s just like pure bliss out there.”

Bachini was sidelined for the majority of last season with two injuries. She pulled a stomach muscle that sometimes forced her to serve underhand in matches. Bachini also battled plantar fasciitis.

The injuries forced her to idle during the summer. She only resumed practicing Jan. 2.

Bachini sacrificed a normal high school experience to play tennis. She only began attending high school her senior year and went twice a week. The rest of the week she trained four hours a day on the court and one hour in the gym.

So when doctors told Bachini the chronic nature of her plantar fasciitis might force her to consider quitting the game of tennis altogether, she was devastated.

“Those were the hardest words to hear,” Bachini said. “I’m an athlete. This is what I’ve been doing my entire life. I didn’t want to quit and give up. I just wanted to keep on going.”

Bachini wasn’t about to relinquish her dream without a fight.

She was the top-ranked player in Northern California before deciding to come to Syracuse.

Bachini came to SU because she knew the program would help her achieve her ultimate goal, which was, and still is, to become a professional tennis player, she said.

“I don’t quit,” Bachini said. “I’ll never, ever say those words. I kept at it in the gym. I ate healthy. I knew I was going to come back.”

Her return to the court caught the eye of her teammates.

Sophomore Komal Safdar said Bachini’s everyday hard work off of the court gave her a new perspective.

“For her to come out and not only beat her opponents, but to be able to destroy them pretty much, it just shows that she was doing what she could when she was injured, ” Safdar said. “Honestly, I think she’s more determined than ever.”

Bachini credited her teammates and coaches for being supportive and encouraging her to keep fighting.

Assistant coach Shelley George said she’s thrilled to have a player of Bachini’s character back on the court.

“Breanna fights through every situation that she’s ever been in,” George said. “Whether it’s off the court or on the court. Win or lose, you know she’s going to go out and fight her tail off.”

Bachini has played with determination since coming back. She followed up her season-opening win at Boston College with a more decisive win at home, defeating Navy’s Sam Droop 6-1, 6-0. She was the first player to finish her singles match Sunday.

“I was just in my zone,” Bachini said. “I don’t really focus on what’s around me. I focus in on my match and what I need to do.”