This new addition to Jeff's Webpage is an opportunity for
you, Jeff's fans, to ask Jeff any question you would like for him to answer.
Jeff will answer as many reasonable questions as possible by return
e-mail, however the best of the questions will be posted here for all
to read. So, please CLICK HERE if you have a question that you would
like for Jeff to answer. Please provide your initials and hometown.
We hope you enjoy this feature. Thanks for your interest
in Jeff's career!
Question No. 3 - P. H. from Charleston, WV asks "There is alot of talk about Pro's hitting a heavy ball
compared to a fast ball. In your opinion what are the best tips to hit
a heavier ball off both wings. Thanks for your time."
Jeff's Answer: Well, that
is a great question! I don't think physics substantiates the concept
of a "heavy ball", but I can tell you that certain players hit a ball that
feels "heavier" than a ball hit just as fast by another player. My recent
opponent Todd Martin hits one of the heavier balls on tour - his nickname
is "Thumper" because his ball is so heavy. Todd explains that he gets
more of his legs and torso (not just his arms) into his shots than do most
other players, and therefore his ball is "heavier". I have to think
that the combination of Todd's velocity, moderate topspin and depth make his
ball hit his opponents' racquets with more velocity - so the ball feels "heavier".
I'm not a physics expert, but using your legs and torso more, and
stepping forward into your shots off both sides is good advice for any player
- and your ball will certainly come off yoour racquet harder. Thanks
for the question. JM
Question No. 2 - C. E. from
Australia asks "I
recently saw you play in Adelaide, it looked like you were always having
fun and looked relaxed on court. It also looked like you enjoyed coming to
the net in your singles matches. Just wondering if you always used to
do that or if you developed it into your game throughout the last few years?
Also wondering how old you where when you got your first ATP points, and
what was your progress through the ranks, and if you had any advice to pass
on. I have just turned 18 and play a similar kind of game to yours.
My ranking is currently 995 and I have started training full time for the
last 6 or so months, after finishing school. This year I am planning
on traveling for a good part of the year, so if you had any advice to pass
on I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your time."
Jeff's Answer: Yes, I have always been an agressive player. I have
always used my serve to gain the advantage, and I love coming to the net.
I earned my first ATP Points in the summer of 1998 after my freshman
year in college at age 19. I earned about 20 points that summer.
I didn't start competing on the tour full time until June 2000 when I was
21 years old. I attended college for 3 years. My advice is to
work hard, and most importantly, don't take your losses too hard. You
will lose almost every week. Learn from your losses, and don't let
them discourage you. I look forward to meeting you on the tour. Thanks
for the question. JM
Question No. 1 - M. T. from Gainesville, FL asks "I watched you play
at The University of Florida during your college career. How big of a
step is it from top level college tennis to top 100 ATP tennis?"
Jeff's Answer: Thanks
for the great question! The biggest difference I see is the quality
and depth of players on the ATP circuit. While the SEC offered the best
college tennis around, very few players had the game that I see on the
circuit day in and day out. All the top 100 players on the circuit are
stronger, faster, more consistent and have bigger weapons than I saw while
at Florida. College tennis was great, and I could not be where I am without
my experiences as a Gator - but I had to work hard to get so much better
than I was while at Florida to have a chance out here on the circuit. I
still need to improve, and that's why I work every day to get better. Bottom
line is - it's a big step up, but I'm climbing as fast as I can! JM
