By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP no. 33. Winner of 2022 Newport title. Currently the fifth ranked American behind 13 Fritz, 17 Opelka, 22 Isner, 29 Tiafoe.
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 194
DOB: May 8, 1997 In: Paris, France
Residence: Los Angeles, CA
First Tennis Memory: When I played my first competition at my tennis club in Paris. I played my first round there, I played a fellow friend Maxime Janvier. That’s one of my first memories of tennis when I first started at the age of four or five.
Tennis Inspirations: I obviously love Isner, Federer, Djokovic, I watched a lot of Pete Sampras. My brother wanted me to play like him. The top three of today’s generation – Djokovic, Nadal, Federer.
Last Book Read: The Four Agreement.
Current Car: I don’t drive.
Early ATP Memory: I would say finals of Cleveland, winning the final saving two match points against Torpegaard. Challenger.
Greatest Sports Moment: Winning my first title in Newport (vs Bublik 26 63 76 in 2022). As soon as I step into Newport, I have a renewed sense of joy. I played my first ATP Tour tournament here, and it’s incredibly special to be part of such a historical tournament and incredible to win my first title here.
Most Painful Moment: I would say here in Newport was a painful moment. Because I really thought I could do well, first time on grass. And I think that was my first opportunity in the ATP. And I really wanted to do well. And I really was confident going into the tournament. So it was really painful to lose first round in a close match (2019).
Favorite Sports Outside Tennis: I love volleyball. And soccer. My mom played volleyball.
Favorite Tournament: I’d say Newport is my favorite. I never really truly enjoyed playing a tournament other than Newport. Honestly. I really felt good playing on the grass.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: Djokovic. When I was in Monte Carlo I met him. Really fun guy. I was training in Monte Carlo and I saw him, he was training there. And I saw him. He was with his wife and dog. I was eight. I got an autograph. He was like early 20s, taking off on the Tour.
Strangest Match: In a match…I once took off my shirt and match point down and I won the match. My shirt was just so sweaty and I couldn’t serve. I had to change shirts on match point down. And I won the match. That was really weird. (Where?) Futures.
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: Was when I was fourteen, I jumped for a ball and then I broke my wrist. I tried to be like Gael Monfils, jumped for a ball. On a drop shot. And I ended up being injured for the next six months. That was pretty embarrassing [smiles].
Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: I love tennis because I’m really competitive and I’ve played tennis my whole life. And I kept the passion alive throughout my whole life of tennis. I just love my serve and volley game and I love being aggressive. And I’m also very, very competitive. So that’s why I really love playing tournaments.
Funniest Players Encountered: Djokovic and Monfils too. There’s a lot of funny guys out there.
People Qualities Most Admired: Humble attitude and very kind. That’s the two most important qualities for me as an athlete.
Maxime Cressy · Newport Hall of Fame · UCLA
Aaronf · May 21, 2020 at 10:47 am
I should have had an honorable mention! Obviously no US Open this year. Very sad.
Scoop Malinowski · May 21, 2020 at 12:06 pm
Yes you do. Your enthusiasm supplied extra inspiration to do this interview in Newport. Don’t bury the 2020 US Open just yet though.