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Aug/14

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The Biofile: Sam Groth Interview

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Status: ATP # 104.

First Tennis Memory: I grew up in a country town which is on the New South Wales and Victorian border in Australia. I remember I used to ride my bike down to the courts every day. My parents couldn’t get me off the courts. I didn’t have a coach my first year. I was ten years old and just loved it.

Tennis Inspirations: Growing up, Pat Rafter and Mark Philippoussis.

Last Book Read: I read the Tyler Hamilton (cyclist on Lance Armstrong’s team) book on a flight from LA to Australia. And I read the whole thing in fourteen hours. I didn’t sleep a minute.

Greatest Sports Moment: Probably getting through and getting to crack the top 100 for the first time (in Newport this summer). Or my semifinal in doubles at the French Open this year was also great.

Most Painful Moment: I think when I blew my shoulder out and I decided to quit in 2011. It was a tough time and I actually thought I was done with tennis. (Where?) I actually hurt it at a Futures in Turkey. I thought I was done. I went to play football. I thought that was it for me. (Was it one big serve that caused the injury?) It was actually a stretch volley. I felt something. I think it was a buildup at the time, the joint was a bit messed up. And I think it was sort of one thing that triggered it.

Strangest Match: We played a Challenger in Tazmania one year and it was so windy that the fences blew down. That was interesting. Chairs blowing. Guys were actually serving underhand because the wind was so bad.

Embarrassing Tennis Memory: I’ve been on the court a few times where you feel embarrassed. I think the first ever Australian nationals I ever played I lost love and love in the first round. So that was probably a bit embarrassing. I haven’t lost love and love since then. (Remember the opponent’s name?) Yeah it was Myles Blake.

Favorite Tournaments: I love Wimbledon. And I love playing home in Australia. The Australian is an amazing atmosphere, especially when you’re playing in front of your home crowd.

First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: That’s a good question. Maybe Margaret Court. I was actually coached by her nephew (Phil Shanahan). She’s from the same town I grew up in.

Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Australian Rules football. It’s my second passion. I love the Sydney Swans, that’s my favorite team. And they’re on the top of the ladder at the moment.

Nicknames: Drago. My mates think I look like Ivan Drago out of Rocky IV.

Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: I love the one on one competitiveness. And I love the fact that on any day anyone can beat anybody. If you come out there and play well or maybe don’t play as well, you have that one match – anyone can beat anyone.

Current Car: I don’t have a car. I spend a lot of time on the road. Never in one place.

People Qualities Most Admired: Honesty. Probably the biggest thing I look for in a person. I’d rather someone tell me the truth and be upfront with me than tell lies. I like someone who’s friendly and fun guys, as Aussies we love to be out there and enjoy the atmosphere and that sort of stuff. And be people-people. And someone who is courageous, but I don’t know if it’s the right word. I like people who lay everything on the line. I don’t like people who half-ass things. I like people who get out there and leave everything out there, whether it’s tennis or anything they do.

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1 comment

  • Dan Markowitz · August 27, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Great interview. Scary that he hurt his shoulder and didn’t think he could come back. Does that mean he hit the ball any harder before his shoulder injury?

    I like his last comment that he likes people who put everything on the line, because that’s what I feel I see when I watch him play.

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