| Mardy Fish | |||||
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Birthdate: December 9, 1981 Hometown: Vero Beach, Fl. Status: Pro (9/99) |
Height: 6' 2" Weight: 165 lbs. Plays: Right handed |
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Highlights: 2001 - Upset No. 15 seed Mark Philippoussis at the Tennis Masters Series - Indian Wells - Defeated world's No. 9 Thomas Enqvist at the Franklin Templeton Classic 2000 - Named a practice partner for the U.S. Davis Cup team. - Reached the quarterfinals of the Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, R.I. - his second career ATP Tour event - defeating Chris Woodruff en route. - Won his first pro title at the 2000 Canadian Futures event in Lachire, Canada. At the age of 18, he became the youngest American to win an ITF futures event. - Defeated Jim Courier en route to the semifinals of the 2000 River Oaks exhibition. - Won his first ATP Tour match against Galo Blanco in the first round of the 2000 Ericsson Open. 1999 - Quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open junior championships. - Finalist at the USTA National Boys' 18 Championships. - Won the boys' singles title at the ITF world junior event in Surrey, England. - Won the boys' singles title at the Thailand Open junior championships. - Won the boys' doubles title at the Japan Open junior championships with Joachim Johansson of Sweden. Interesting Fact: - Father, Tom, is a tennis pro in Vero Beach. |
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Sportline.com recently spoke with Mardy. Here is what he had to say:
SportsLine: How old were you when you first realized you were good enough to be a professional? Mardy Fish: I always had aspirations of being a tennis player. When I was 17 I started playing well in the junior (Grand) Slams.
SportsLine: What is your training schedule like? Mardy Fish: I spend up to three to four hours a day hitting and a lot of time in the gym.
SportsLine: What is the strongest part of your game? Mardy Fish: My backhand and my return game.
SportsLine: What needs the most work? Mardy Fish: I have to improve my strength.
SportsLine: What is your favorite thing about being on the court? Mardy Fish: The competition. I can go forever out there.
SportsLine: What is your least favorite thing about your job? Mardy Fish: I'm petrified of planes and I have to travel all the time.
SportsLine: Who has influenced your game the most? Mardy Fish: My father. He was my coach until I was 15. He's seen a lot of tennis.
SportsLine: Who has been your favorite player to watch? Mardy Fish: Todd Martin, we're good friends and I love how he plays.
SportsLine: Who do you most look forward to playing? Mardy Fish: Pete Sampras at Wimbledon.
SportsLine: Do you ever get discouraged with your game? Mardy Fish: I have a lot of fun out there. Brad Stein (Fish's coach) stays really positive. It can be tough when you're learning new things.
SportsLine: What surface do you play best on? Mardy Fish: I play my best on grass. It's easy to hold serve on grass and my net game is rapidly improving.
SportsLine: Have you ever really argued with the ump? Mardy Fish: Not really, but I'm sure I will because sometimes they get on your nerves a little bit.
SportsLine: How do you think you will react if you win a Grand Slam? Mardy Fish: Sometimes, when I'm lying in bed, I think about what I would do in that situation. I'll probably drop down to my knees and kiss the court.
SportsLine: Who is the nicest player you've met on the tour? Mardy Fish: I've met a lot of nice guys. Pat Rafter is really a class guy.
SportsLine: Have you ever been intimidated by an opponent? Mardy Fish: No, I haven't really been intimidated on the court since I was 15. I look at it (playing a top player) as an opportunity to make a name for myself early on. If I played my best against Agassi or Sampras it would be a huge opportunity for me.
SportsLine: Do you feel like you lost any part of your childhood because of the demands of training and traveling? Mardy Fish: I'm sure a lot of college guys are having fun, but you can't beat this. I miss holidays and birthdays with my family, but I have to make sacrifices and it's worth it.
SportsLine: What would you like to pursue after you retire? Mardy Fish: I play a lot of golf. I almost played golf instead of tennis. I think I would like to try to make it on the PGA tour. |
