Insider quote: “I told a former Grand Slam champion (WTA) who was at the Challenger (he volunteers at), these players are so pampered.” But she gave me a look like she was not on board with that at all.”
Upon request, he gave another example. “The black player (from Jamaica and a European country). I loved watching him on TV. One day he came in to my office asking for a practice court. But there weren’t any available. And he kept demanding a practice court. For twenty minutes. The line of players making requests to me grew. Finally he called me an expletive. And then I called him an expletive. It was a bad experience.”
“Another time where the players ate, players left their plates on the floor. They didn’t put it in the garbage can. Had to pick up for them. Man, these players expect everything to be done for them.”
These revelations triggered memories of other anecdotes I’ve heard over the years.
One journeyman type American player who once was a highly touted prospect, was told he would have to wait 45 minutes for transportation, which provoked a nasty outburst. Meanwhile, another player, David Ferrer, no. 4 in the world at the time, was in the same boat and accepted the delay graciously and without any incident.
A former chair umpire told me the two former GOATS get over a dozen suites for their teams/entourages in five star hotels for Grand Slams.
Now let’s not get a wrong impression. So many players are super polite and grateful for the luxury lifestyle and treat the employees with respect and manners. But a few, probably under stress and pressure to defend points and maintain their status, etc. may have misbehaved imperfectly on occasion.
Tennis is a vicious and ruthless sport for most players who never quite reach the elite pantheon. But they keep working and striving and trying to hang on as long as they can beyond mid to late 30s – Gasquet, Verdasco, Karlovic, Lopez, Monfils, Wawrinka, Nishikori, Hewitt, Isner, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, etc.
Because playing tennis as a pro today is a wonderful life, first class treatment from top to bottom – handsome rewards, fame, fortune, fun, fitness, free massages, free physio, free meals, free housing, free transport, and so much more.
As Vince Spadea once said one of the hardest parts about his career being over was that people looked at him differently and treated him with a sightly less respect. “When it’s over, you’re not THE MAN anymore.”
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Steve · March 28, 2025 at 7:41 am
“free massages, free physio, free meals, free housing, free transport, and so much more.” —even free PEDs lololol just kidding.
Scoop Malinowski · March 28, 2025 at 9:55 am
One well known but now retired American was considering playing Sarasota Open and one of his demands was the use of a Range Rover all week. He didn’t get it and didn’t play. Another American requested to board with a local family and was accepted, then when the tournament started, the house was so nice he asked to bring his wife and coach. Remember Eric Butorac of US Open was asked if he got any surprising requests from players, he answered that Andy Murray wanted a pool to train in.
Steve · March 28, 2025 at 10:31 am
Good stuff. You could do a book on this more gossipy stuff, even blind items. I would def. buy it.
Scoop Malinowski · March 28, 2025 at 11:52 am
Actually I have already begun compiling a lot of the inside information some players have told me. If I decide to really pursue that direction with some kind of project there will be no shortage of good content )
Steve · March 29, 2025 at 2:33 pm
Speaking for free stuff. I just confirmed from a 2nd source (you being the first) that mouratoglou did in fact pay Serena to be her coach. Also that top pros can use his club for free. Food, massages, etc. all free. Great marketing but paying to coach on the sly is disingenuous.
I kinda like the guy though.
Scoop Malinowski · March 29, 2025 at 7:39 pm
Yes he is likeable nice guy, and he’s not the first to do it this trick. Bollettieri did it with Becker to expand and market into the Euro market and Solomon did it with Bouchard. Surely others did it too.