By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP no. 123 (career best was 113).
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185
DOB: December 5, 2001 In: Newmarket, Ontario
First Tennis Memory: Playing in my home club in Newmarket, Canada, just kind of whacking the sponge ball around (age 4).
Tennis Inspirations: My dad (Brian) coached at the club in Newmarket. I was kind of born into the sport. And I was a big Rafa fan.
Last Book Read: I don’t read too much. One book I try to read is the Bible.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: I would probably say Milos Raonic. I practiced a few weeks with him as a junior. So I got to know him a little bit.
Greatest Career Moment: Probably winning the Calgary Challenger (2023).
Most Painful Moment: Probably losing in the final of NCAAs as a team (with University of Kentucky).
Favorite Tournaments: Obviously playing anywhere in Canada is a joy. Playing Davis Cup is fun as well, coming from the team environment of college tennis. I’ve lived in Florida since I was 14 so definitely enjoy the three week circuit of Sarasota, Tallahassee, Savannah.
Why Do You Love Tennis: I love the competition aspect.
Funny Tennis Memory: I think it’s just getting to know the guys on the road, simple times, going to dinner, just these types of memories make the road more enjoyable when you have a couple of buddies. Have a good time regardless of where you are in the world.
Funniest Player Encountered: There’s a double player Trey Hilderbrand is hilarious to watch. People probably think I’m funny to watch as well because I bring a lot of energy, I can go crazy out there. I think it’s the people who bring the energy on court that makes it more fun to watch.
Strangest Match: Honestly, nothing too unusual… maybe getting into qualies super last minute in Miami Open. I didn’t think I was going to get in so I was at Delray Beach just training. And then the supervisor called me to play in like 45 minutes – 30 minute drive to where that is. That’s something recent. That’s the game of tennis. Everything is so up in the air. You never know who you’re going to play and things like this. I drove and played… I lost to Christopher O’Connell, great player. It was a good match (57 06), good experience playing at the ATP level.
Best You Ever Felt On Court: I think indoors in general. When I play tournaments indoors everything is so clean, no wind, sun or any elements. I had a few indoor tournaments where I felt I played really well. When I won Calgary Challenger – perfect conditions for me.
Fiercest Competitors Encountered: Gonzalo Bueno. Elliot Spizzirri is a great competitor. Cleve Harper, my doubles partner who I play a lot with, is a great competitor.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Tough question… I’ll go with cookie dough.
Favorite Artist: I’ll say Brandon Lake.
Nickname: Drax.
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Surfing. Went surfing this morning (Venice, FL) [smiles].
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: Always rooting for the Canadian tennis players out there. Scottie Scheffler in golf. I like golf as well, another one of my hobbies.
People Qualities Most Admired: Just being a good person. Trying to help other people out, trying to make the world a better place.
Bible · Canada · Kentucky · Liam Draxl · Milos Raonic · Rafael Nadal
