Continuing our new series “Facing Greatness”, former ATP no. 64 and former coach of Maria Sharapova, Jessica Pegular and Eugenie Bouchard, Michael Joyce, contemplates the question: What were the two best performances anyone ever played against you on a tennis court?
Michael Joyce: “Wow. I have to think about that one… Felt like there were so many [chuckles]… For sure, Shuzo Matsuoka at Wimbledon round of 16 (in 1995). He played sick, lights out. And he was up a set and a break against Sampras next round (but lost 76 26 46 26).”
(Note: Sampras won Wimbledon that year vs Becker in final 67 63 64 62.)
“One time I lost to Ivo Karlovic in a Challenger indoors (Urbana, IL 2001, round of 16) and I never lost serve but lost 76 36 76 (according to the not always 100% accurate ATP site the score was 62 67 62) and I was aced 45 times, something like this. He went on to make a career doing that. But at the time I felt like never could anyone serve that way again [laughs].”
Ivo Karlovic · Michael Joyce · Shuzo Matsuoka
Scoop Malinowski · October 28, 2020 at 3:19 pm
Michael is also coaching two American juniors Sarah Hamner and Ashlyn Krueger who both have reached the semifinals of the ITF J4 Orlando tournament this week. Just started working with both a few months ago. Top notch coach.
Scoop Malinowski · November 13, 2020 at 6:25 pm
And keep in mind Michael Joyce played Agassi, Rios, Sampras, Courier…