Ask me anything about being a professional tennis player
- Thread starter fpeliwo
- Start date
Would you/did you use any paintjob racket? If you did, would't such a statement as the one above make a dangerous point against your own interests?
I haven't used a racket with a paintjob. As I said, it's the kind of frame you would find in the store, they just make sure that the specs are the same before sending them to me to avoid a huge difference.
I'm not quite sure I understand what this dangerous point is...?
cc0509
Talk Tennis Guru
Thanks. I agree it is hard to argue against his results.
klementine
Hall of Fame
Props bro!!!... Can't believe the TT community hasn't offended you yet. :smile:
You seem like a tough cookie to crack (even at such a young age), been watching some interviews, highlights and the Australian junior final.
Pulling for you, really I am, but even if you complete the 'dream career', you'll still end up retiring before 35 year's of age.
Any thoughts as to what career you might want to pursue after retirement?
Politics (ala marat).. coaching (ala lendl)... or maybe even a berry farmer?
No, in all seriousness, I hope you have a long and successful career, but have your thoughts ever ventured into the after-tennis life? Or is it too early as of yet?
You seem like a tough cookie to crack (even at such a young age), been watching some interviews, highlights and the Australian junior final.
Pulling for you, really I am, but even if you complete the 'dream career', you'll still end up retiring before 35 year's of age.
Any thoughts as to what career you might want to pursue after retirement?
Politics (ala marat).. coaching (ala lendl)... or maybe even a berry farmer?
No, in all seriousness, I hope you have a long and successful career, but have your thoughts ever ventured into the after-tennis life? Or is it too early as of yet?
veroniquem
Bionic Poster
Thanks for your honesty!
Larrysümmers
Hall of Fame
you need a personal minister to go on tour with you? i can string rackets too.
Amelie Mauresmo
Banned
I have a question Mr. Peliwo, are gay and bisexual men accepted on the ATP Tour? Is male homosexuality a taboo subject to discuss? Are ATP players homophobic and anti gay? Do players on the ATP Tour KNOW who the gay or bisexual players are? Is homosexuality discussed at all by players or is it a taboo subject?
I ask this question because on the WTA Tour there is a history of lesbianism stars such as Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Amelie Mauresmo, Samantha Stosur, Gigi Fernandez, Conchita Martinez, Lisa Raymond, Nicole Pratt, Renee Stubbs are all out and proud.
Yet no gay or bisexual male tennis players are out.
Is the ATP Tour a very homophobic place where a gay or bisexual man would probably be treated poor if he came out of the closet?
I ask this question because on the WTA Tour there is a history of lesbianism stars such as Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Amelie Mauresmo, Samantha Stosur, Gigi Fernandez, Conchita Martinez, Lisa Raymond, Nicole Pratt, Renee Stubbs are all out and proud.
Yet no gay or bisexual male tennis players are out.
Is the ATP Tour a very homophobic place where a gay or bisexual man would probably be treated poor if he came out of the closet?
TennisLovaLova
Hall of Fame
I hope you're happy he answered the gladiator's question...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2A194yTWoQ
I mean for the sake of your sponsor, you may end up having to lie about your specs. Maybe you wouldn't lie at all, I don't know. In general, I wonder if you realize interested parties sometimes can't afford being absolutely sincere, as it looks you are trying to be in here.
That said, I'm grateful and all. Speaking to you and getting answered feels a bit like I'm being a journalist at the Wimbledon press room.
I have thought about it but it's really too far away to tell what I would like to do. I honestly don't know yet. Once I'm older I'll probably figure out what I enjoy aside from tennis, career wise.Props bro!!!... Can't believe the TT community hasn't offended you yet. :smile:
You seem like a tough cookie to crack (even at such a young age), been watching some interviews, highlights and the Australian junior final.
Pulling for you, really I am, but even if you complete the 'dream career', you'll still end up retiring before 35 year's of age.
Any thoughts as to what career you might want to pursue after retirement?
Politics (ala marat).. coaching (ala lendl)... or maybe even a berry farmer?
No, in all seriousness, I hope you have a long and successful career, but have your thoughts ever ventured into the after-tennis life? Or is it too early as of yet?
Well until the time comes where I make the decision to have different specs, I think that I can talk about them, as they are exactly like a racket you take off the shelf at a pro shop. I don't know when or if I would customize them. I'm trying out lead tape but it's way too early to tell.
It may be necessary to do so in the near future, but for now I'm staying in Montreal.
It's really tough to tell, as everyone develops differently. Sometimes they just start doing amazing out of nowhere, which was kind of the case for me this year.
At the moment we have got two 17 year old guys in the top 75 ITF (one at 72 and one at 35.) Hopefully they develop well next year.
MichaelChang
Hall of Fame
Do you think any players dope on the ATP tour, or do you or any other players suspect or talk about it in the locker rooms? Thanks.
Haha for now I think I'll be fine with my coach, but you never know!
I honestly don't know. I am not aware of any players that are, but if there happened to be any, I wouldn't have anything against them.
I gave an answer addressing the doping questions a few pages back. I am not aware of any doping that may be going on at the tour level, or junior level. I haven't heard anything about it from other players either.
Here is my first column for the site talking about a few songs on my playlist for the week! Feel free to check it out!!
http://indecentxposure.com/grind/3a65a085258fd29bb16077e4d86b251e40134107/
http://indecentxposure.com/grind/3a65a085258fd29bb16077e4d86b251e40134107/
TennisLovaLova
Hall of Fame
Hi M. Filip
I wanted ask you some random questions of my own, dont know if you already answered those
1/ Physical training:
I'd like to ask you if you do some core training, or even Spartacus and Tabata trainings?
Also, what weights do you lift in the gym (squats, leg curls/extensions, shoulder press, bench press, biceps curls, triceps extensions)
2/ Do you or the other pro around you drink from time to time? If yes, what's your favorite liquor?
3/ In your opinion, what's the best tennis video game ever?
4/ Do you think female tennis players should win the same amount of money as men in GS?
5/ Do you think female tennis players should play best of 5 matches to be allowed to earn as much money as men in GS?
I wanted ask you some random questions of my own, dont know if you already answered those
1/ Physical training:
I'd like to ask you if you do some core training, or even Spartacus and Tabata trainings?
Also, what weights do you lift in the gym (squats, leg curls/extensions, shoulder press, bench press, biceps curls, triceps extensions)
2/ Do you or the other pro around you drink from time to time? If yes, what's your favorite liquor?
3/ In your opinion, what's the best tennis video game ever?
4/ Do you think female tennis players should win the same amount of money as men in GS?
5/ Do you think female tennis players should play best of 5 matches to be allowed to earn as much money as men in GS?
Hey Filip
This is kind of weird because we're a similar age but you're actually a few months younger (I turned 19 last month). I definitely feel old now!
Anyway, I saw the link to here from your twitter and decided join this forum just to ask you a few questions. I've been a fan of yours since Wimbledon. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer fan questions, it's not very common at all to have a pro player talk online like this, but we all appreciate it.
I have some questions which I'm really curious to read your answers.
1. What is your level of fame in Canada? Do you ever get recognised in a non-tennis environment, or is it only hardcore tennis fans such as us who would recognise you?
2. Have you ever played a match where you felt like you were "in the zone" and couldn't miss the ball? Maybe could you describe the best match you think you've ever played?
3. Why do you think players are breaking through so much later these days? Djokovic won Miami when he was 19, won the Australian Open when he was 20, as recently as 4-5 years ago. Obviously it wasn't "so" incredible at the time, but nowadays it seems impossible that this ever will be repeated. Tomic turns 20 in literally days and then there will be no teenagers in the Top 200! Do you think players will ever win big tournaments again at such a young age, and if not, why do you think players are unable to do it? This website here is quite interesting for doing comparisons of rankings of youngsters over the years: http://tennisabstract.com/reports/rankingsByAge.html. Obviously you're listed under the "Not Yet 19" for the current group.
4. You've talked a bit about Eugenie Bouchard, but do you know much about Francoise Abanda? She's now the #8 junior and is only 15 years old. From what I hear she's extremely good.
5. In general are most pro players and juniors aware of tennis forums such as this one, and read them?
6. Why do you think tennis in Canada is doing so well at the moment? Obviously there's Raonic but then there's also some world class prospects such as yourself, Bouchard and Abanda that Canada hasn't seen the likes of for a very long time (no offence!). I think I remember reading something about the development program has improved, but can you talk a bit about this?
7. As a pro tennis player you obviously get to travel around the world. Where are some of your favourite places that you've been to?
Anyway, best of luck in your career. Hope you get to #1 and win Grand Slams! You seem like a really nice guy, you deserve it! Hope to see you at a tournament some day too.
This is kind of weird because we're a similar age but you're actually a few months younger (I turned 19 last month). I definitely feel old now!
Anyway, I saw the link to here from your twitter and decided join this forum just to ask you a few questions. I've been a fan of yours since Wimbledon. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer fan questions, it's not very common at all to have a pro player talk online like this, but we all appreciate it.
I have some questions which I'm really curious to read your answers.
1. What is your level of fame in Canada? Do you ever get recognised in a non-tennis environment, or is it only hardcore tennis fans such as us who would recognise you?
2. Have you ever played a match where you felt like you were "in the zone" and couldn't miss the ball? Maybe could you describe the best match you think you've ever played?
3. Why do you think players are breaking through so much later these days? Djokovic won Miami when he was 19, won the Australian Open when he was 20, as recently as 4-5 years ago. Obviously it wasn't "so" incredible at the time, but nowadays it seems impossible that this ever will be repeated. Tomic turns 20 in literally days and then there will be no teenagers in the Top 200! Do you think players will ever win big tournaments again at such a young age, and if not, why do you think players are unable to do it? This website here is quite interesting for doing comparisons of rankings of youngsters over the years: http://tennisabstract.com/reports/rankingsByAge.html. Obviously you're listed under the "Not Yet 19" for the current group.
4. You've talked a bit about Eugenie Bouchard, but do you know much about Francoise Abanda? She's now the #8 junior and is only 15 years old. From what I hear she's extremely good.
5. In general are most pro players and juniors aware of tennis forums such as this one, and read them?
6. Why do you think tennis in Canada is doing so well at the moment? Obviously there's Raonic but then there's also some world class prospects such as yourself, Bouchard and Abanda that Canada hasn't seen the likes of for a very long time (no offence!
). I think I remember reading something about the development program has improved, but can you talk a bit about this?7. As a pro tennis player you obviously get to travel around the world. Where are some of your favourite places that you've been to?
Anyway, best of luck in your career. Hope you get to #1 and win Grand Slams! You seem like a really nice guy, you deserve it!
Hope to see you at a tournament some day too. seattle_1hander
Rookie
Hey Filip, serious question this time...
Over the years many top pros have made significant changes to the mechanics of their forehands, serves, et cetera. Nadal comes to mind in that he changed his forehand significantly over the years (as well as his serve grip in 2010). Ernests Gulbis has also made significant changes to his forehand. Federer has also changed his backhand over the years. Would you ever be open to changing your strokes or do you feel you will play like this the rest of your career? Do you think it's a good or bad thing?
Over the years many top pros have made significant changes to the mechanics of their forehands, serves, et cetera. Nadal comes to mind in that he changed his forehand significantly over the years (as well as his serve grip in 2010). Ernests Gulbis has also made significant changes to his forehand. Federer has also changed his backhand over the years. Would you ever be open to changing your strokes or do you feel you will play like this the rest of your career? Do you think it's a good or bad thing?
Here is something my friend wrote the other day. It covers the pre-match routine of a professional tennis player fairly well, and you can also learn quite a few things about some WTA players in there. I've got a few paragraphs in the first link going over my pre-match routines/warm-ups as well as the amount of training I did as a junior throughout the years.
http://indecentxposure.com/grind/152878f7fb57e00a0dc07875529bdd743aa18a39#.UH2X_Gsv4G0.facebook
http://indecentxposure.com/grind/da0b9b10c5984224f3e47e0695cc5f7dac02e06b#.UH2YM6N04ks.facebook
http://indecentxposure.com/grind/152878f7fb57e00a0dc07875529bdd743aa18a39#.UH2X_Gsv4G0.facebook
http://indecentxposure.com/grind/da0b9b10c5984224f3e47e0695cc5f7dac02e06b#.UH2YM6N04ks.facebook
I do a lot of core training, as well as weights. All of the muscle groups you listed there are part of my program.Hi M. Filip
I wanted ask you some random questions of my own, dont know if you already answered those
1/ Physical training:
I'd like to ask you if you do some core training, or even Spartacus and Tabata trainings?
Also, what weights do you lift in the gym (squats, leg curls/extensions, shoulder press, bench press, biceps curls, triceps extensions)
2/ Do you or the other pro around you drink from time to time? If yes, what's your favorite liquor?
3/ In your opinion, what's the best tennis video game ever?
4/ Do you think female tennis players should win the same amount of money as men in GS?
5/ Do you think female tennis players should play best of 5 matches to be allowed to earn as much money as men in GS?
I don't drink.
I honestly don't play tennis video games much, or even sports games in general. I'm more of an FPS, RTS, and RPG gamer
I think I will have to avoid the other questions, too sensitive a subject honestly. Didn't go over too well for Simon when he voiced his opinion.
I get recognized once in a while, but generally it's real tennis fans that recognize me.Hey Filip
This is kind of weird because we're a similar age but you're actually a few months younger (I turned 19 last month). I definitely feel old now!
Anyway, I saw the link to here from your twitter and decided join this forum just to ask you a few questions. I've been a fan of yours since Wimbledon. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer fan questions, it's not very common at all to have a pro player talk online like this, but we all appreciate it.
I have some questions which I'm really curious to read your answers.
1. What is your level of fame in Canada? Do you ever get recognised in a non-tennis environment, or is it only hardcore tennis fans such as us who would recognise you?
2. Have you ever played a match where you felt like you were "in the zone" and couldn't miss the ball? Maybe could you describe the best match you think you've ever played?
3. Why do you think players are breaking through so much later these days? Djokovic won Miami when he was 19, won the Australian Open when he was 20, as recently as 4-5 years ago. Obviously it wasn't "so" incredible at the time, but nowadays it seems impossible that this ever will be repeated. Tomic turns 20 in literally days and then there will be no teenagers in the Top 200! Do you think players will ever win big tournaments again at such a young age, and if not, why do you think players are unable to do it? This website here is quite interesting for doing comparisons of rankings of youngsters over the years: http://tennisabstract.com/reports/rankingsByAge.html. Obviously you're listed under the "Not Yet 19" for the current group.
4. You've talked a bit about Eugenie Bouchard, but do you know much about Francoise Abanda? She's now the #8 junior and is only 15 years old. From what I hear she's extremely good.
5. In general are most pro players and juniors aware of tennis forums such as this one, and read them?
6. Why do you think tennis in Canada is doing so well at the moment? Obviously there's Raonic but then there's also some world class prospects such as yourself, Bouchard and Abanda that Canada hasn't seen the likes of for a very long time (no offence!
7. As a pro tennis player you obviously get to travel around the world. Where are some of your favourite places that you've been to?
Anyway, best of luck in your career. Hope you get to #1 and win Grand Slams! You seem like a really nice guy, you deserve it!
I have had matches where I've zoned, but I can't recall a match that really stands out as the best match of my life. Too many to choose one.
I think that the game is so much faster now than it has ever been, and physical strength and fitness is a larger factor in success these days. It takes a few years to develop that, and for your game to mature.
I train at the same place as Francoise does. She is extremely talented, and is definitely a huge prospect.
Most people are not, at least as far as I know. I didn't know about this until a couple of weeks ago.
Basically all it comes down to is the fact that they have a structured program where all the best players in Canada train together, and have the funding to compete and train at the highest level.
I really enjoyed NYC, Paris and London.
TennisLovaLova
Hall of Fame
Tx for your answers.
Could you please be more specific about the weight you use? In kgs if possible
Could you please be more specific about the weight you use? In kgs if possible
I would say I use them for 6 months, although I do have a couple that are older than that.
I only played 3 matches on grass in my life before Wimbledon 2012, all of which I lost. I had one in the warmup tournament the week before, and one each at the warmup and Wimbledon 2011, so I had almost no experience on grass.
I just use normal physiotherapists and massage therapists.
This stuff would take a really long time to write down. Basically I just try to be sweating before I play. I do my running, dynamic stretching, plyometrics. Stretching and cool down after the workout, generally takes about 30 minutes.
I was top 2 in Canada in 12's and 14's, and in 16's and 18's I was #1.
I didn't play ITF's until I was 15, and got my ranking in the top 100 when I was 16. Broke the top 30 at the beginning of this year, and the top 10 after Australian Open 2012.
I am always open to changes. I think that as a player, it is very important to always strive to improve your game, and sometimes that means making a technical change. It's a good thing to be willing to make the changes necessary to succeed and get even better.
I think about 305g racket weight, unstrung.
Think he meant in the gym haha. Not sure how intimidating your answer's gonna be
Interesting read that, thanks.
That guy's food on match day sounds insane:
"Breakfast today is three eggs, fried in a little bit of butter, with a side of hot salsa. I chow everything down while reading the news on my laptop. I will eat again at around noon – the snack will consist of low-fat plain yogurt with a big spoonful of almond butter mixed in, everything washed down with a liter of water."
Lovely_Bone
Rookie
A lot of people on this forum have referred to the Wimbledon grass as "green clay", because they feel like it is just as slow as clay. I think they just say that to try and make Rafa's success at the tournament really means nothing and that he is only a good player on clay. What are your feeling about this? Was the grass actually as slow as clay?
dominikk1985
Legend
Filip do you watch video of other players (top players maybe?) to learn from them and emulate them?
do you generally think emulating the strokes of guys like federer or djokovic is a good thing or should players better find their own strokes?
do you generally think emulating the strokes of guys like federer or djokovic is a good thing or should players better find their own strokes?
Gonzalito17
Banned
Let's not ask too many questions, it might take away from his training and practice. Really enjoying reading this, make sure to check in every day. Well done Filip. Your fanbase is going to be massive someday.
Haha yeah, I usually just stick to pasta.
It's good to take little things that they do well and use them, but in general a player should try to develop their own strokes. What works for Federer or Djokovic may not necessarily work for anyone else. Take Nadal for example... I doubt that anyone would teach that technique to their player. It works for Rafa but I doubt it would be good for most other people.
Haha well I don't think I'll be writing out exactly which weights I do for every exercise, as there are too many, and my weights vary depending on what I am working on.
Right now I am doing about 65lbs each arm for dumbbell bench press, 4 sets of 10 reps. 4 sets of 10 reps leg press, I'll use 12 plates of 45 lbs. That should give you a general idea.
Not sure what the kilos are, although I'm sure you can convert that on the internet somewhere.
It's definitely not as slow as clay. Maybe green clay... It isn't as fast as it used to be, but because the ball skids and stays low, it feels quite fast. I'm not sure how exactly it compares though.
Lovely_Bone
Rookie
Would you say it is as fast as a hard court? Just curious, I've never even seen a grass court in person
lolClose to it, not sure exactly how the speeds compare.Would you say it is as fast as a hard court? Just curious, I've never even seen a grass court in person
Towser83
G.O.A.T.
Good questions!
I generally try to eat light before a match, nothing too heavy. After a match I usually try to have a lot of pasta with some meat and veggies, although it does depend on what I'm craving at the moment
As far as music goes, I'm definitely a rocker! I do like some hip-hop, but more of the older stuff, none of the new mainstream rap. My pump up song for a match, about 99% of the time is One Step Closer by Linkin Park. I do like almost any kind of rock though, including classic rock like Led Zep, Queen, and the Beatles, and also a LOT of 90's rock and alternative like Pearl Jam, STP and Our Lady Peace. Hope that cleared things up regarding the music I listen to
good music choices!
Anyway congrats on all the slam wins/finals!
Couple of questions
1. I really don't want to cause arguing between fan bases, so let's not bring players into this (saw you were having to be very diplomatic about Rosol and Nadal) but as an up and coming player, what do you think of the idea for a 2 year ranking system? Good or bad, or not sure?
2. Have you based particular shots on another player, and have you ever had to change something in your game because you were trying to copy a stroke and it wasn't working for you?
thanks
Out of all the juniors, I probably slide the most on hardcourts, and also more aggressively than anyone on the junior tour, so yes, I do like to slide on hardcourts.
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