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Biofile John Patrick Smith Interview
No comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: Winner of two ATP doubles titles – 2018 Atlanta and 2025 Houston. Played in two Grand Slam finals – Australian Open mixed doubles in 2019, 2025. Four time All American at Tennessee, reached no. 1 in singles and doubles. Highest singles ranking was 108 in 2015; best doubles ranking was 39 this year.
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 175
DOB: January 24, 1989 In: Townsville, Queensland, Australia
First Tennis Memory: I was doing tennis and swimming at my local club. I started tennis when I was nine.
Tennis Inspirations: I would say my parents (Kevin, Sue).
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: Pat Rafter actually. Sydney during Davis Cup.
Current Car: Ford Bronco, beige something, my wife (Lauren) picked it out.
Last Book Read: The SIE introduction, securities exam. LSAT with finance.
Greatest Career Moment: Playing for Australia at United Cup this year.
Most Painful Moment: Ah… losing five sets Wimbledon in singles 2015 being up two sets to love (vs. Kenny DeSchepper).
Favorite Tournaments: Newport, Atlanta, Houston, DC, Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open.
Best You Ever Felt On Court: Honestly, I beat Bernard Tomic here (Newport) first round 2015, I think he was seeded like 3. I played great, I didn’t miss a ball. Came in, this is when the courts were really bad – usually the balls would bounce, the ball would roll.
Funny Tennis Memory: Ah mate… the amount of travel stories. I’ve had missed flights, lost bags, sleep in airports, when I was in Futures. The list goes on mate. Travel in tennis – I could write a book on.
Strangest Match: I had the lights go out. Mixed doubles quarterfinal 2020 Australian Open we started 1 am. Against Iga Swiatek and Lukasz Kubot. We won (with Astrid Sharma).
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint chocolate chip.
Why Do You Love Tennis: I think I just love the competitive aspects. The amount of people that I’ve met and the friendships that I’ve formed. It’s cool being able to be in London – Hey, gonna be in London – and know this amount of people. Be in Newport and know this amount of people. It’s awesome, Melbourne, Sydney. All these places. Friendship.
Fiercest Competitors Encountered: Del Potro. So many guys up there. Played Rublev a couple of times, beat him once. He actually tore me apart the second time when he got better. Beat him in Delray Beach then I played him a couple of weeks later in Indian Wells and he snit me.
People Qualities Most Admired: I think loyalty.
Australia · John Patrick Smith · Newport · Tennessee · United Cup
