Virginie Razzano, an elegant player born in Dijon, France, calls herself “the girl with a smile.” At last year’s French Open, she had plenty to smile about as she handed Serena Williams a stunning first-round defeat
Constant training, tournaments and travel make for a busy existence on the ATP tour. Add the responsibility of fatherhood and life can get very interesting.
Rafael Nadal captured his seventh French Open title in 2012, surpassing previous record-holder Bjorn Borg and furthering his reputation as arguably the best clay-court player of all time.
Every weekday morning, Steve Doocy informs and entertains the viewers of Fox News Channel’s morning show, Fox and Friends. When his studio gig is done for the day, he sheds the business suit for sports apparel, taking that passion to the tennis court.
They met for the first time as 11-year-olds, both still exploring the sport that would one day consume their lives. Fourteen years later, these two men, born just a week apart, stood on opposite sides of the net in a pulsating Rod Laver Arena.
When Juan Martin del Potro steps into a forehand and pulverizes the ball with a deep baritone grunt, it’s hard to imagine that the 6-foot-6 Argentine possesses a soft side. But he’d be the first to point out that his on-court personality differs greatly from his off-court demeanor.
Tour success often requires more than athletic talent, says Janowicz, the straight-shooter from Poland. As a player attempts to survive the early years on tour, he emphasizes the necessity of sponsorship and financial support from one’s country.
With the Australian Open complete and the hard courts of Indian Wells and Miami fast approaching, Canadian upstart Milos Raonic intends to push his limits in his quest to crack the top five.