Professional Tennis Player

What do you think of John McEnroe's suggestions that tennis should switch back to wooden racquets to avoid lame serve-only points and encourage more exciting rallies, and also that coaching should be allowed during the match? Will any significant changes to the rules happen in our lifetimes, perhaps to make the sport more exciting or fan-friendly?

Asked by BiggieT over 13 years ago

Great question. I believe they intended to increase excitement for the game by allowing stronger materials to be used in the formation of the racket. It definitely did for some, but I believe it turned off a significant viewership of baby boomers who would like to watch Bjorg-McEnroe(ping-pong style tennis) for the rest of their lives. In the game today, we see a final like last Sunday involving John Isner and Roger Federer. One brute power and length, Isner - versus control and marksmanship, Federer. The technological advancements have altered the game and shots deemed impossible before are now...well you get the point. The largest change in the game due to technology is the level of strength and fitness that is necessary to succeed at this level today. Since the ball moves faster, the pace of play increases and thus every aspect of the game is intensified. Footwork needs to be quicker, mind needs to think faster, and the body has to exert more physical power to stay in a rally, let alone win said rally. So with technological advancements, we have created in my mind a better game. A game that is faster, more explosive, more intriguing, and an even tougher test of mental and physical strain on all competitors. Regarding coaching on the court, I wouldn't be opposed to it. I went through coaching on the court during Div. 1 collegiate play and enjoyed the extra set of eyes. But lets be honest, most people are getting coached from the stands anyway... What I'd like to see in terms of innovating the sport: Get the fans as close as possible - extra seating, courtyard seating like in basketball, etc. Music during the match could be interesting but probably will never be received well because players use the sound of the ball coming off the racket to determine qualities about the shot coming their way. AT LEAST play some music on the changeovers when everyone is waiting anyway(some tournaments have adopted this, but not nearly enough) Continue to implement the shot spot system, it engages the crowd and allows the players a stand against umpires Can I request cheerleaders? for no particular reason..

What match in your career are you most proud of?

Asked by Argos over 13 years ago

As my professional career has recently begun, I revert back to my team tennis experience at Brown University. My freshmen year I was immediately thrust into conference play and somewhat randomly and due to the length of my match, I found that all the eyes had shifted to my own court. I was able to win a close one to clinch the ivy league title for our squad in 2006.

How'd you wind up playing tennis instead of going the traditional 9-to-5 route?

Asked by pingping over 13 years ago

After playing division one collegiate tennis and graduating, I decided to move directly to NYC and pursue a life without sports. After a summer internship with a beer distributor, I again came back to tennis and taught for nearly eight months in NYC before requiring major surgery on my back. Following the radiation, rehab, and recovery, I began to feel a sudden urge to compete after being forcibly unable to exercise for nearly nine months. I realized at the age of twenty-three, my time was limited and I jumped in with both feet.

If you weren't playing tennis for a living, what would you be doing?

Asked by Starterwife over 13 years ago

I would probably still be working in the real estate sector (which I left to pursue my tennis career), primarily leasing residential and commercial spaces in NYC. Also, I would be able to allocate more time to the start-up vending machine business my partners and I have been working on since last year.

How much do you need to practice per day/week?

Asked by slowhand over 13 years ago

Every player is different. From what they need, to how they prepare, to what they do the second they finish a match. If I had to put a minimum on hours per week that you must spend ON THE COURT to have a chance competing, it would be around 15hrs/week. However, I've witnessed upwards of 30 hrs/week from the real work horses but that is truly rare. To put it simply, if you had a day job you'd spend approximately 35-40 hours dedicated to that practice. Tennis is no different. If you spend 30-40 hours/week of court time, gym time, track time, and the ever important stretching time you'll be headed in the right direction.

Do you support the Hawkeye and other instant-replay systems in tennis?

Asked by marioo over 13 years ago

Absolutely. Unfortunately, it is very expensive and not all professional tournaments will be able to adopt it for quite some time. I am in full support for its ability to give the player a voice on the court rather than the head official reigning supreme over all calls. This is essential, and all the pros enjoy the ability to exercise this right when available. Also, it engages the crowd. Fans are able to guess on the calls before seeing the slow motion replay and it provides added excitement to the live experience.

A ball hit my partner's foot while she was standing behind the baseline. She called the ball out and, subsequently, our point. Do I recall correctly that Maria Sharapova had a similar circumstance and the point was given to the opponent?

Asked by Amy almost 10 years ago