By Scoop Malinowski
Status: WTA 189. Won Charlottesville ITF $80,000 pro tournament today defeating Madison Brengle in the final 64 16 63.
DOB: April 17, 2002 In: Bradenton, FL
Ht: 5-6
Nickname:Â Whit.
First Tennis Memory:Â Is playing on the clay courts at IMG and I used to come out in a dress and high heel boots. I was really into that. I did not wear tennis stuff at all. So that was my first tennis memory.
Tennis Inspirations: I like to look after a lot of the players who came before me. If they can help me in my own game. But I try to be my own person. But I’d say Viktoria Azarenka is somebody that I looked up to.
Last Book Read: I don’t read [laughs]. (I gave Whitney a copy of Facing Marat Safin book which she graciously accepted.)
First Famous Tennis Player You Met Or Encountered:Â Jelena Jankovic [smiles]. She used to train at IMG with everybody. I remember getting her autograph and meeting her and she was super nice.
Greatest Sports Moment:Â Winning French Open juniors. That was pretty special for me.
Most Painful Moment:Â Not yet.
Favorite Tournaments: I love French Open. I really loved Australian Open as well.
Funny Tennis Memory: I wish. I don’t have any of those. I wish.
Embarrassing Memory: Probably just eating dirt on the clay. Falling down in front of everyone.
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Basketball.
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow:Â I don’t really follow, I’s say maybe OBJ (Odell Beckham Junior), LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:Â Cookies and cream.
Why Do You Love Playing Tennis:Â Just being able to figure things out all by yourself. And not having anybody help you out with it, is my favorite thing about it.
Which Match Did You Feel At Your Best: I probably have a few but I can’t think of one right now.
Funniest Player Encountered:Â Frances Tiafoe. He just has jokes. He’s never not smiling [smiles].
Funny Tennis Memory with Frances:Â We were warming up for our mixed doubles match at French Open and I pegged him.
What Do You Need To Work On To Get To Next Level: I think I’m there. I just need to keep working on moving forward and touching up some little things.
People Qualities Most Admired:Â Honesty and just kindness.
Dan Markowitz · April 29, 2019 at 2:00 pm
I find it interesting that the players who say they don’t read also give the most mundane and non-inspiring Bio-File’s. Maybe you should’ve waited till Whitney’s a little older to do this one as she didn’t give you much WOW!
Scoop Malinowski · April 29, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Dan she was 16 when she did this Biofile three weeks ago and I think it was a very good interview, especially with me approaching her like two minutes after her singles match win at Innisbrook. My questions are out of the blue and not like anything she’s been asked before, she gave some interesting revealing answers. yes of course in ten years when she’s a veteran it will be a totally different Biofile but this is quite good for a teenager who has only played a handful of pro tournaments. She can be a major big time player in a few years.
Dan Markowitz · April 29, 2019 at 8:55 pm
Sorry, dude, I know she’s young, but what answer do you find interesting? It’s going to be difficult for her to be a big star as she’s what 5-6? Who was that half-Asian American woman player from the South who looked good a few years ago and I haven’t heard a peep from her since. She also wasn’t very tall.
catherine · April 30, 2019 at 1:54 am
Ashleigh Barty is 5-5 and Simona Halep is 5-6 so I don’t think it’s height alone which makes the difference, particularly in the women’s game.
It’s a shame Whitney doesn’t read – although I bet she does a ton of social media.
Scoop Malinowski · April 30, 2019 at 5:49 am
Most every answer. Particularly first tennis memory, she showed her individuality and creative freedom from the get go. She does it her way. And what she needs to work on, she feels there already. She is confident she can play with anyone already.