Agassi was my hero growing up. I tuned into his latter career and loved the ball striking and charisma. When I started, I tried to take returns stupidly early and use a two-handed backhand because of him. Also bought any Nike tennis gear I could find in Ireland (which wasn't easy!).
Used to like watching Steffi, Agassi, Sampras, Venus... But it was Federer that stood out for me. My 15 year old daughter would go for Sinner. She's been following him a few years back and kept saying just wait, he's going to win grand slams and be no. 1
And he hit those passing shots on some really quick courts. He’s gotten surpassed by some metrics on the achievements scale but impact is off the charts.
I started playing 150 years ago and it was Bjorn Borg. He moved like a lynx on court and every shot you thought he’d never get he got and turned it into a winner. How lucky I was to watch him.
Oh yeah. I interviewed him about the USTA National Campus and that's when I found out he lives out there. We are both native Floridians (not common for people over 50). But that National Campus (amazing) is open to the public in a regular neighborhood. Maddy Keys lives out there too.
I saw Federer practicing at the Rogers Cup a few years ago when Edberg was there as his coach. Think I was more excited about seeing Stefan standing around than I was about watching Fed at work. 🥰
I mean I don’t know. I was young and she was by far the most the dominant player. I enjoyed her game and variety. It was a different world in those days.
Hmm I’d have to think about that. I can’t think of anyone immediately. I think that’s a game that works for Steffi and probably no one else. Contemporaneously, Monica’s game was probably the one that was more influential (minus the two hands both sides).
Michael Chang...dude was an absolute inspiration to anyone that didn't look like and play like the norm at the time (90s). Modelled my backhand based on his two hander and even used the old Prince graphite too.
Venus Ebony Starr, Serena Jameka —- they started it. I went to my first Miami Open to see them but I saw Rafa torture Roger and it was done. Tennis over all other sports.
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Federer made me 'watch all year round at all hours of the night' in love with tennis
Don’t judge 🙏🏻🤣
I have many other favorite players, but watching his matches was what started it all...
But seriously, Venus and Serena.