The life of a rising star
A brief biography of tennis phenom Jonathan Fisher, age 10
Written by Sarah Ritchie, Editor-in-Chief, The Source
Jonathan Fisher, age 10, burgeoning tennis star.
In order to capture a sense of this young prodigy’s life, I spoke at length with his sister Elizabeth as well as his parents. What has emerged from that conversation has been a surprisingly stereotypical picture of a happy well-adjusted boy in spite of the challenges he has faced.
"J" as he’s called by friends, rivals and associates started his tennis career at the tender age of two while vacationing in Cyprus with his extended family. Practically his first words were, "Hit, ball, raggit (racket one would presume is the word he was attempting)".
Self-taught until age 4, Jonathan then began his formal training at the Surbiton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. With a keen interested in both football and tennis, "J" was a very active sportsman. At age 7, he was forced to make the painful decision to give up his football and focus on his tennis future.
"J" credits his family (Parents Grace and Martyn and older sister Lulu) with providing constant support and reassurance as well us transportation in the pursuit of his tennis goals. His sister, Lulu, is also a member of their local tennis club but prefers to focus her energies on volunteer work and her ever-developing eye for tennis fashion. Her recent charity work involved participation in the Powderbyrne Tournament as a front gate hostess, guide, sales assistant and security aid. When pressed for intimate details of her relationship with her only brother, Lulu was a woman of very few words. She indicated that her departure from competitive tennis had nothing to do with "J’s" prowess, but simply her own desire to tackle other pursuits including her promising dancing career. Lulu insists that there is no competition between the siblings and they have become even closer this past year as a result of living with an, at times, absentee mother.
Grace and Martyn Fisher have, by most outside observances, been keen and attentive parents. In my course of research for this article, I happened upon some reliable information that paints a somewhat different view. As recently as this past April, sources indicate that there was some profound discord in the Fisher family home. Grace Fisher had fled to Canada, virtually unannounced and uninvited, leaving the children in the care of their workaholic father Martyn. While attempting to juggle his business life, his own faltering tennis career and the demands of a single parent something had to give. "J", unfortunately, seemed to bear the brunt of this neglect.
"J" was involved in a domestic mishap, during this period that resulted in minor burns. Fortunately, aside from some residual scarring, he appears to have no permanent damage. In what some believe was a cry for help; "J" was also involved in an altercation at his place of education. Details are sketchy, but onlookers describe a violent scene in which "J" stepped in to rescue a friend, in the process sustaining minor injuries.
It appears that his life has finally regained the normalcy that his burgeoning career requires. His family appears to be intact once again and his time at the prestigious Oak Bay Recreation Centre this summer seems to have built up his confidence yet again. "J" recently competed in a local tennis tournament, upsetting the Number 3 seed and once again proving his strength and stamina. His current affiliation’s include membership at the Surbiton Lawn and Tennis Club as well as being a member of the Surrey County Squad training at St. George’s Hill.
Here’s a brief snapshot showing Jonathan’s responses to questions from some of our readers:
Who do you sight as your influences in the tennis world?
My earliest influence was my father followed closely by Pete Sampras
What is your favourite tennis attire?
Nike Dri Fit for clothing, Head for racquets, K-Swiss for good shoe comfort.
Who do you see as your tennis rival?
Current rival happens to be Josh Miller who also serves as my regular doubles partner.
What would your preferred playing surface be?
Clay would be my first choice.