By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP no. 177.
DOB: Sept. 30, 2000 In: Bradenton, FL
Ht: 6-8 Wt: 209
First Tennis Memory: Probably using my dad’s racquet to hit against the front door of the house (age 4).
Tennis Inspirations: My father (former ATP player and Grand Slam doubles champion) Roddick and Nadal.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: Roger (Federer) when I was a baby in Houston. I was two months old. Roger was holding me. My dad is friends with Roger. It was at ATP Finals in Houston. I was born in September and it was in November. (Pictures of it?) Yes.
Current Car: A pick up truck. (Color?) Rebel red.
Greatest Career Moment (so far): I would say in Miami winning my first ATP match there and making third round.
Most Painful Moment: Probably losing semifinals Wimbledon (juniors) up match point, I saved four, had one on my serve at 8-7 40-30 in the third set.
Favorite Tournaments: I’ll go with Wimby, US Open and now Miami.
Which Match Did You Feel At Your Best: I would say both of the end of the sets vs Zheng in Miami. With the nerves and everything I knew I had to play my best tennis. I didn’t lose a point on my serve in both tiebreakers (won 76 76).
Funny Tennis Memory: Playing my brother in a junior tournaments and him getting mad at me and firing balls at me [smiles].
Strangest Match: Nothing crazy, I was down 5-0 in the third and won 7-5. In Czech, grade 4 ITF when I was 13 or 14.
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Hockey.
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: Ovechkin. He’s chasing Gretzky for most goals in NHL history. Maybe Novak. The battles between Sinner and Alcaraz.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: I’ll go with a weird one – green tea [smiles].
Favorite Artist: The standard – Picasso.
Last Book Read: A Czech book by Michal Novotny, who is one of the best physios in sports.
Why Do You Love Tennis: Because it’s one of the few sports where it’s just you out there, you have to figure out what to do. You meet a ton of different people, make good connections, make fond memories. You get to travel around the world and explore new places.
People Qualities Most Admired: I guess people that are easy to talk to, not who act like they’re above and more than other people. When you’re able to be kind when the spotlight isn’t on them.
Martin Damm · Miami Open · Nike · Rafael Nadal · Roger Federer · Sarasota Open · Wilson tennis
