Hard luck American Brian Baker has missed nearly a decade of his career because of assorted injuries. But the veteran has resurfaced as a doubles player, winning his first ATP title in Memphis earlier this year and now partnering with a legend named Daniel Nestor (today they play 2 seeds Mahut and Hugues-Herbert in the quarterfinal). I spoke with Baker before practice yesterday morning…
Scoop: What is your inspiration at this point in your career?
Brian Baker: “I think its always to try and end on my own terms instead of having my body decide everything. But I think just – I know it’s cliche – but just the love of the game. Been playing tennis my whole life and I had to take a lot of time off because I wasn’t able to play through injury. I think I just realized during the time off how much you actually enjoy it even through the ups snd downs and even through all the travel. So I think just loving the competition and having that second and even third chance to comeback. Comeback and play.”
Scoop: Greatest moment of your career?
Baker: “Probably say two… Fourth round Wimbledon. And then also opening ceremony Olympics (2016).”
Scoop: Your most painful moment?
Baker: “Australia. Wheeled off the court. Against Querrey second round.”
Scoop: First famous player you met or encountered?
Baker: “Hmm…wow…I don’t remember when I was too young. I know warming up Sampras at the US Open when I was 16 or 17. That was a big moment.”
Scoop: How did you get this opportunity to team with the living legend of doubles Daniel Nestor?
Baker: “I believe Vasselin injured himself a bit and we just kinda…he asked me what my plans were. Like about a week or two before here. Just decided to hook up.”
By Scoop Malinowski
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Scoop Malinowski · March 27, 2017 at 11:15 am
Just realize that Baker lost nearly ten yrs to hone his game and improve his game and despite loss hes still on the ATP Tour. Imagine if Rafa or Fed had to not play for almost a decade? Where there level would be? Imagine where Bakers level would be with that decade back? Baker is one if the most inspiring examples of dedication and perseverance in tennis history.
Hartt · March 27, 2017 at 1:02 pm
It’s great that he is still playing. He and Nestor have a big challenge facing Herbert/Mahut today but best of luck to them. 🙂
Scoop malinowski · March 27, 2017 at 4:38 pm
They won by default as one of Frenchies has knee issue and Mahut still alive in singles.
Scoop malinowski · March 27, 2017 at 4:40 pm
By the way French journo from Lequipe told me the reasons for absenses of Gasquet (appendectomy), Monfils (knee and achilles) and Tsonga (baby).
Bryan · April 1, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Ah, Brian Baker. I remember when he went to the 4th round at Wimbledon. It was one of the Cinderella stories that year. He was a media darling that week, it sure was fun. Unfortunately his body blows shrapnel when he sneezes.