We continue out conversation with 1998 French Open and Australian Open mixed doubles champion (both with Venus Williams) Justin Gimelstob, who also recorded ATP singles victories against Alex Corretja, Patrick Rafter, Gustavo Kuerten, Petr Korda, Thomas Muster, Mark Philippoussis, Todd Martin, Fabrice Santoro and Andre Agassi…
Tennis-prose.com: Coco Gauff is actually ahead of Serena at the same age in terms of ranking and pro wins. How do you see her WTA future?
Justin Gimelstob: Incredible. Incredible. She’s fast. I think she’s incredible. Great mover. Great mentality. Excellent technique. Her technique will only get better with experience. She ticks every box. Great attitude. Relishes the moment. She’s a star. A total star. There’s no limit. The opportunities…it’s awesome American tennis has that to look forward to.
Tennis-prose.com: Which tennis TV commentators do you like to listen to the most?
Justin Gimelstob: You know who I love…old time tennis broadcaster…John Barrett. Have you ever heard him? (Probably, I get those old British commentators like David Mercer and others mixed up.) I was watching some old highlights that he did. The voice…just awesome. He’s a legend. I like Jason Goodall and Robbie Koenig. I think they do a nice job. I like John Lloyd. I like Leif Shiras, he does a nice job. I like some old school guys like Cliff Drysdale and Fred Stolle. I like Ted Robinson. Mary Carillo. I think Lindsay Davenport does an awesome job. Chanda Rubin does an awesome job. Of course I like John McEnroe when he’s into the match, sometimes it seems he kind of mails it in. He’s such an iconic figure, it’s always interesting to hear what he has to say, especially the big matches when he’s really into it.
Tennis-prose.com: Stefanos Tsitsipas is actually very close to Roger Federer’s ATP progression in terms of age, ranking, wins, Masters and Grand Slam results. It may sound crazy to say that he could possibly achieve a career as illustrious as Federer, but what most impresses you about Tsitsipas and do you think he’s capable of becoming a super champion of the next era?
Justin Gimelstob: That’s saying a lot. It’s tough to say as great as Federer is. Obviously it was impossible to predict what Roger accomplished. I like the Coco-Serena comparison more. I think Tsitsipas is an incredible talent. I like his game, his athletic shots, his flair, variety. I love his game. In today’s game most of the guys are so similar, two handed backhands, baseliners. When you see someone different like Tsitsipas and Opelka, it’s exciting. When you see someone different, it adds a different element to the game. I love watching him. And I think it’s great you have someone who plays differently at the top of the sport. I think he has a great personality. He’s artsy, he’s not afraid to express himself. He’s different on social media, he’s not afraid to be different, he’ll talk about photography, philosophy, he can be goofy. In interviews with media he doesn’t try to answer the questions like someone wants him to. I like that.
Tennis-prose.com: When Pete Sampras finished, nobody expected Federer to surpass Pete’s achievements but he did. Which of the young players do you think can possibly equal or surpass Federer, Nadal and Djokovic? Or is that impossible?
Justin Gimelstob: Djokovic isn’t going anywhere. Nadal isn’t going anywhere. Federer is still here. I think these guys will put the records out of reach for a while. I don’t see them being passed anytime soon. I think in the coming years there will be way more disparity, way less dominance.
Tennis-prose.com: How do you think Federer will decide to end his career?
Justin Gimelstob: I hope on his terms. That’s what I hope. Whether it’s a great win at a big tournament or a great win in Basel on his home court. Something like that. But not a lot of champions get to go out on their terms, on top. I hope he does.
Part 3 of the Justin Gimelstob Interview coming later this week…
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