Tennis Prose




Nov/10

30

Biofile with Francesco Ricci Bitti

Status: President of International Tennis Federation. Has previously served on boards of Phillips, Olivetti, Alcatel and Telecom Italy.

DOB: January 15, 1942 In: Bologna, Italy

Education: University of Bologna (Electrical engineering).

First Tennis Memory: “Italian Open final, Rome. Pietrangeli against Memerre. Two Italian players in the final.”

Greatest Tennis Moment: “As a player I won some good tournaments. I was in the last eight twice in the Italian national championships. At that time they were very important.”

Most Painful Moment: “Really, never. I love tennis and spend a lot of time, I give back a lot. The only – as a player – if you want – I was injured sometimes.”

Favorite Tournament: “Because of the traditions, I think all the Grand Slams.”

Tennis Inspiration: “My mentor was Philippe Chatrier. He gave me my first real international job as a technical delegate at Olympic Games of Los Angeles 1984. This was the start and inspiration.”

Favorite Players To Watch: “Now, Roger Federer. He’s a friend. A great person for tennis, not only a great champion and he gives back a lot, with his behavior, with his thinking. In the past, I like many players. McEnroe was one of them – a player that I liked very much.”

Last Book Read: “It’s a book by Stiegg Larsson, Swedish.”

Favorite Movies: “I don’t look because I fall asleep. It’s the best pill for sleeping for me [smiles].”

First Job: “I was a businessman in telecommunications. I have many jobs, one was with the Phillips Company. Then I moved to an American company – now it’s Verizon. I spend a lot of time and I’m very proud to have an American business culture.”

Favorite Meal: “Italian – very simple.”

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Fruit sorbet.”

Current Car: “I drive now an Opel. Volkswagen – because (they are) one of the sponsors of ITF.”

Funniest Players Encountered: “I think it’s not so easy now. Tennis is so professional. At my time, many players are more relaxed. The funniest – not easy now, you have to give me time.”

Childhood Dream: “I wanted to become a sportsman, honestly. I did a lot of sports. I was lucky – my family was living in a very active sports region. I was born in Ferrari region – Bologna – the center of Italy. And I did many sports – cycle, soccer for many years, and I choose tennis. At the time, tennis was less demanding. Not long after I started, I qualified for under 15s, at the time I was the youngest in national championships.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “Balance. Balance is a very important part of the intelligence.”

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