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Future Game: Robby Ginepri
SportsLine.com staff
 
   
Robby Ginepri
Birthdate: 10/7/1982
Residence: Marietta, GA
Status: Pro (2000)
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 152
Plays: Right-handed
Robby Ginepri at the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Cup. 
Robby Ginepri at the 2001 Mercedes-Benz Cup.  

Pro Highlights:
- Upset Karim Alami at the 2001 RCA Championships
- Reached the quarterfinals of the Lexington Challenger event
- Won his first professional match, defeating Sebastien Lareau 4-6 6-3 6-4 in L.A.
- Made his main-draw debut at the 2001 Ericsson Open

Junior Highlights:
- Helped lead the U.S. to the title at the 2000 Sunshine Cup
- Won the singles and doubles competitions at the 1999 Van Der Meer Championships and USTA Grass Court Championships
- Won the 1999 Panama Bowl doubles
- Finalist at the 2000 US Open in both singles (lost to Andy Roddick) and doubles
- Finalist at the 1999 Panama Bowl
- Semifinalist at the 2000 Australian Open doubles
- Semifinalist at the 1999 Costa Rican Bowl
- Quarterfinalist at the 2000 Australian Hardcourts and Ericsson Orange Bowl
Interesting Fact: Robby likes to fish in his spare time.

SportsLine.com recently spoke with Robby. Here is what he had to say:

SportsLine: Are you surprised at all by where your game is right now, or is this pretty much what you expected?

Robby Ginepri: I haven't been worrying too much about my results, but I'm very happy with where I am.

SportsLine: Have any of the veteran players on tour helped you out with your game or helped you adjust to life on tour?

Robby Ginepri: I stayed at Todd Martin's house for about a week and we practiced together. He gave me a lot of good advice. He's a wonderful guy and it seems like he wants to help all the young Americans.

SportsLine: What do you think you need to do to take your game to the next level and possibly become a top-10 player?

Robby Ginepri: I have to get a faster more accurate serve. Just starting to play matches and getting the experience is going to help me a lot.

SportsLine: Is there any kind of competition between all the young Americans?

Robby Ginepri: I think there is. We want each other to do well, but me, Taylor (Dent), Andy (Roddick) and Mardy (Fish) all push each other to work harder.

SportsLine: Do you think this generation has the talent and charisma to help grow the game's popularity in the U.S.?

Robby Ginepri: I definitely do. There are a lot of young Americans that are climbing their way up.

SportsLine: Where do you think your game measures up against your peers on tour right now?

Robby Ginepri: I think that my game is there, but they've been out longer and seen more of what goes on.

SportsLine: What are your goals for the remainder of the year?

Robby Ginepri: I want to finish in the top 200. I think that is realistic at this point. I'll just keep traveling and keep getting matches under my belt.

SportsLine: What has been your high point on tour so far?

Robby Ginepri: The L.A. Open. Winning my first match and playing Gustavo Kuerten. He was my favorite player when I was younger. He's a real cool dude.

SportsLine: What are the most significant adjustments you've made, mentally and physically, since you jumped from the Juniors?

Robby Ginepri: I feel I am still playing the same way. I'm just working harder at conditioning and working out. Also, I'm trying to stay in points a little longer and not try to end it all on one shot.

SportsLine: What is your biggest weapon?

Robby Ginepri: The way I move on court -- my speed and movement.

SportsLine: What do you enjoy most about being a tennis player?

Robby Ginepri: I love traveling and just competing. I've been a big competitor since I started in sports. I just love battling against poeple.

SportsLine: When did you start to believe you had a chance at a career in tennis?

Robby Ginepri: When I was about 12 I quit all the other sports to strictly play tennis. Each year it just got more realiastic.

SportsLine: Who has been your favorite player to watch?

Robby Ginepri: Guga (Gustavo Kuerten)! I just like the way he handles himself out on the court. He stays so calm in big situations.

SportsLine: What are your biggest career goals?

Robby Ginepri: I would like to be top 10 and win a Grand Slam. The U.S. Open would be nice, but it doesn't really matter which one.

SportsLine: When you played Kuerten in L.A., were you nervous or a little intimidated?

Robby Ginepri: The night before the match I couldn't sleep too well, but that morning I felt pretty good.

SportsLine: What were some of the sacrifices you've had to make because of the demands of training and travel?

Robby Ginepri: Time away from my friends. When they were going out I had to say, "I can't." I almost missed my prom because of the Ericsson Open (he lost his first match the day before prom and was able to attend).

SportsLine: What would you like to pursue after you retire?

Robby Ginepri: At this moment I can't think of anything. Maybe coaching for a little while ... see how that goes.

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