Q & A WITH JUSTIN
Thomas asked: I noticed you were wearing a small elastic looking watch. What kind is it & where can I get one? (I think Jimmy was wearing one as well).
When I play tennis I wear a Nike sports watch that helps monitor my heart rate, when I am hosting or broadcasting I wear a Daytona Rolex my parents got me as a retirement gift from professional tennis and I cherish it.
Meredith Greisman asked: I am researching Davis Cup for a graduate school independent study course and would greatly appreciate your thoughts on the following question concerning Davis Cup: Part A) What do you think of the current Davis Cup format and how would you alter it? Part B) Given that the ITF does not want to alter it (although I am curious as to how you would suggest to change it), what do you think the USTA could do to better promote the ties? Thanks and look forward to hearing you commentate this weekend.
Davis cup is a complicated system with many moving parts. There is no doubt that Davis Cup is a very special part of the tennis landscape and it means a lot to the players. However the tennis calendar is very intense and jam packed and as a result Davis Cup seems to get lost during the course of the year. With less top players making themselves available, it has become problematic. That being said Davis Cup is so unique and important to tennis that hopefully we can all work together to make sure it reaches its full potential.
Mhairi Frank asked: Who was playing Chris Evert - she won the first set and was up either 5-1 or 5-2 in the second set. Chris came back and won the match. Very few people remember that match - Chris' tenacity for one point at a time was a lesson learned. I used to live in Port Washington, had a tennis game there with a bunch of women - remember the McEnroes" as kids and Mary Carillo. The Easter Bowl was played there and the end of year Rolex Tournament. Sat my backside down all day at the academy and watched juniors - saw who made it and who did not. Per Herquist was a winner but didn’t do much in the pros. Senior women used to have a tournament there as well.
One match I remember that you might be referencing was when Chris Evert was down against Italy"s Laura Golarsa 5-2 in the final set in the quarterfinals of the 1989 Wimbledon. Her steely nerves and iron will propelled her to a stunning 7-5 in the 3rd set comeback win. Some players just have the self belief that enables them to play some of their best tennis in the biggest moments, they are called "champions" and none were greater than Chris Evert.
Eric Dmitrenko asked: You traveled all the time playing tennis, can you give us homebodies an accurate description of life on the road? Early on did you make your own arrangements, how difficult was it and did it ever get easier living out of a suitcase?
Life on the road could best be described by the title of an old Steve Martin/John Candy movie "PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES!" At least that"s how it feels sometimes. Playing professional tennis for a living is an amazing experience, but the travel is challenging. Some players have their agents book their flights, hotels, airport pick ups set. I always enjoyed doing my own flights and trying to figure out the best fares, shortest layovers, etc. The tournaments do a great job these days helping reserve hotels and transportation. It is difficult constantly living out of a suitcase, but you learn how to make yourself comfortable on the road and create routines that enable you to be comfortable and thus play your best tennis. But you learn quickly, there truly is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
Ashley asked: Who is your favorite tennis player to interview?
I have been so fortunate to interview so many great players, athletes, and entertainers. Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal are always so kind and generous with their time and thoughts. Andre Agassi is so personable and giving. Pete Sampras has a lot more personality than people think. Venus and Serena Williams always have a unique perspective. It is also fun to interview my friends, Andy Roddick and I have had some fun exchanges on the court, as I have with the Bryan Brothers, James Blake, Mardy Fish, and John Isner. I have also enjoyed interviewing some other athletes like Dirk Nowitzki, Amare Stoudemire, Lindsey Vonn, Bode Miller, Darrelle Revis, Terrell Owens and Sergio Garcia. For the most part as long as you ask respectful questions and make the interviewer feel safe, they will respect that you have a job to do as well.
Nick asked: What is your favorite city to visit?
That is tough because I am fortunate enough to visit so many amazing cities. My favorites in no particular order are Paris, London, Barcelona, Prague, Sydney, and Venice.
Glenn asked: How do players adjust their games on clay courts?
It is important to stick to whatever your style is, keep trying to play to your strengths. while respecting the unique aspects of each surface. On clay you need to play with more spin, racket head acceleration, and patience. The movement on clay is integral to your success, so being comfortable sliding is a priority.
Carlos V. asked: Where do you feel Juan Martin Del Potro is in his comeback?
Juan Martin is one of the elite players on the ATP World Tour and it is great to see him back playing. He has done an excellent job so far in 2011 already winning events in Delray Beach and Estoril, reaching the semifinals in Indian Wells, and quarterfinals in Miami. He is dangerous on every surface, can hurt you off both wings, the serve and return and is an excellent mover for his size. He will end the year in the top 10 at the very least. He will win more Grand Slams and challenge Roger, Rafa, Novak, and Murray for Grand Slams in the years to come.