Gulbis (of all players) is seemingly well read?!

[Shells15]

SI.com: The last time we talked here in Rome you were reading Haruki Murakami. What's Ernests Gulbis reading these days?

Gulbis: Lately I'm reading a lot of a modern Russian writer, Victor Pelevin. Some of his books have been translated in maybe 38 languages.

SI.com: But you read it in Russian, right?


Gulbis: I read it in Russian. In the original language. It's something special to read something in the original language. I bet if you read Murakami in Japanese, it's a completely different story. So, for me, Pelevin is one of the guys. I'm reading some Russian classics in between. I read an easy book from Dostoyevsky.

SI.com: Dostoyevsky had "easy" books?

Gulbis: The Gambler. Compared to what he usually writes it's easy. He wrote the book in a week's time because he was broke so he had to write something fast. And it was a success.

SI.com: Are you a book guy or an e-reader guy?

Gulbis: Actual physical books, definitely. On a trip like this I carry four or five books. I'm happy to do it. Never say never, but I won't be going to electronic books because it has a completely different energetical [sic] value for me. When the word is printed, it brings a different energy and different thought in it. I could never read long articles on the computer. I prefer to read it in the newspaper. I'm old school.
https://www.si.com/tennis/beyond-baseline/2014/05/20/ernests-gulbis-interview

 

[Gazelle]

Always knew Gulbis was too intellectual to focus for a prolonged time on a brainless repetitive activity like tennis.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Doesnt surprise me

Gulbis is the prophet in the tennis world.

 

[ollinger]

On a trip like this I carry four or five books

Gulibis's Travels

 

[BorgCash]

Always knew Gulbis was too intellectual to focus for a prolonged time on a brainless repetitive activity like tennis.

Like modern tennis

 

[Gazelle]

Like modern tennis

YES, Mr. Dinosaur.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Wow a wealthy Latvian player who doesn't play much can read in Russian.

 

[BorgCash]

Wow a wealthy Latvian player who doesn't play much can read in Russian.

I think he partly Russian.

 

[FederErizeD]

SI.com: Are you a book guy or an e-reader guy?

Gulbis: Actual physical books, definitely. On a trip like this I carry four or five books. I'm happy to do it. Never say never, but I won't be going to electronic books because it has a completely different energetical [sic] value for me. When the word is printed, it brings a different energy and different thought in it. I could never read long articles on the computer. I prefer to read it in the newspaper. I'm old school.
https://www.si.com/tennis/beyond-baseline/2014/05/20/ernests-gulbis-interview

And suddenly, he's a personal favorite.

 

[BorgCash]

YES, Mr. Dinosaur.

The dinosaurs are eternal, Mr. Gopher.

 

[SLD76]

Wow a wealthy Latvian player who doesn't play much can read in Russian.

Right? Do people forget his father is a billionaire and he probably had access to the best education, not to mention Latvia is a Baltic state and former Soviet satellite so in quite sure many there speak and read Russian.

 

[Shells15]

Right? Do people forget his father is a billionaire and he probably had access to the best education, not to mention Latvia is a Baltic state and former Soviet satellite so in quite sure many there speak and read Russian.

Lol, his Dad is a billionaire? I know he's from a wealthy family but didn't realise they're that rich.

 

[tennis_pro]

No surprises here.

I also agree with him about e-books, they are just cancer. In today's world if something doesn't go through a screen it doesn't exist, I'm happy to hear there are still people like Gulbis who live like a normal person should.

 

[Turtle on skates]

Always knew Gulbis was too intellectual to focus for a prolonged time on a brainless repetitive activity like tennis.

This

 

[Shells15]

Safin, too, apparently:
What are you reading now?
Lenin’s biography.

What for?
I’m interested in the phenomenon: how was this small, weak man able to force his will on millions of people.

...And did that without ever holding a racket in his hands.
Yeah, it’s a gift to subordinate people around you. It’s a special talent.


------


During one of the numerous press conferences he literally stunned the journalists when he said that he had been carefully studying Vladimir Lenin’s biography. He then explained, “I am fascinated by the phenomenon. How could anyone so small and weak force his will upon millions of people? Generally, if I admire anyone the reason would be their way of thinking”.



https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/safin-article.49709/

 

[Sum Buddy Ells]

Not really surprised after finding this out about his WTA counterpart (of all players!):

Before beating Halep, Ostapenko allowed the media to get to know her as she answered a number of questions on topics other than the final. Perhaps not a typical 20-year-old, she revealed a passion for ballroom dancing - she was professional for seven years and it's something she believes helps her footwork - and Agatha Christie's detective novels, sometimes reading to pass the time during tournaments.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

No surprises here.

I also agree with him about e-books, they are just cancer. In today's world if something doesn't go through a screen it doesn't exist, I'm happy to hear there are still people like Gulbis who live like a normal person should.

Bunch of grampas, lmao.

 

[mike danny]

I have gained a lot of admiration for Gulbis now. Nice to have well-read players.

It's good for a sportsperson to take care of himself both physically and intellectually.

 

[junior74]

Two out of two women love a Pelevin reader

 

[SpinToWin]

Doesnt surprise me

Gulbis is the prophet in the tennis world.

Was about to tag you lol

 

[HipRotation]

to smart for tennis

 

[ojo rojo]

 

[Shells15]

Why do so many of the guys write autobiographies before even retiring?
I think Murray wrote one at just 20/21! Ridiculous.

 

[Walle]

You should read more of his interviews. He's extremely smart and philosophical. Favourite director is David Lynch, he listens to music of Philip Glass, was named after Ernest Hemingway, etc... He studied art history but had to stop because of his tennis. His Grandfather was a famous theater and film actor in the Soviet-Union, later a director.

http://sport360.com/article/tennis/...what-would-make-him-retire-marriage-and-more/

https://www.tennis-prose.com/articles/866/comment-page-1/

Right? Do people forget his father is a billionaire and he probably had access to the best education, not to mention Latvia is a Baltic state and former Soviet satellite so in quite sure many there speak and read Russian.

His father is NOT a billionaire. There aren't any billionaires in Latvia and his father isn't even among the top ten of richest people of the country. Gulbis's Grandma is Russian, I think he was basically raised bi-lingual. He's also married to a Russian-Georgian woman.

 

[SLD76]

You should read more of his interviews. He's extremely smart and philosophical. Favourite director is David Lynch, he listens to music of Philip Glass, was named after Ernest Hemingway, etc... He studied art history but had to stop because of his tennis. His Grandfather was a famous theater and film actor in the Soviet-Union, later a director.

http://sport360.com/article/tennis/...what-would-make-him-retire-marriage-and-more/

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2010/03/the-ernests-truth/40653/



His father is NOT a billionaire. There aren't any billionaires in Latvia and his father isn't even among the top ten of richest people of the country. Gulbis's Grandma is Russian, I think he was basically raised bi-lingual. He's also married to a Russian-Georgian woman.

I didnt say Gulbis wasnt intelligent , just that's it's not a shock someone from well off background is educated and not a shock someone from Latvia speaks Russian , for the reasons I already stated.


Even if his father isnt a billionaire, the family is still quite well off. Children of well off parents tend to be educated well.

 

[Walle]

I didnt say Gulbis wasnt intelligent , just that's it's not a shock someone from well off background is educated and not a shock someone from Latvia speaks Russian , for the reasons I already stated.


Even if his father isnt a billionaire, the family is still quite well off. Children of well off parents tend to be educated well.

The first part of my post wasn't directed at you but the OP. It's just that I read so often that his father is a billionaire, the richest man in Latvia and somehow that urban myth annoys me. But of course he comes from a wealthy family and I think his father collects books and art objects, so yeah...

 

[Your Hero]

Difficult books and easy women. Ernie's a pro.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Difficult books and easy women. Ernie's a pro.

Murakami difficult

 

[Sudacafan]

Always knew Gulbis was too intellectual to focus for a prolonged time on a brainless repetitive activity like tennis.

Thanks God that’s changing with Isner.

Wow a wealthy Latvian player who doesn't play much can read in Russian.

I can also read Russian, but I don’t understand a single word.

 

[Red Rick]

Doesnt surprise me

Gulbis is the prophet in the tennis world.

Wrong. A prophet is just a messenger. Gulbis is one of the tennis lords himself.

It is our duty to spread the word.

 

[Red Rick]

To adress the title, there's no reason to assume Gulbis was one of the unlikelier players on Tour to be well read. If anything, he comes off as very sharp, and pretty disagreeable with a few things that are considered normal for tennis players. It's very clear that he thinks for himself and forms his own opinions on things more than most, so it's very likely he's more interested in complicated reading than most other players.

And this has nothing to do with his committment to tennis. You can be a complete ****** and 100% by blindly doing what people tell you to. If anything, if you're less committed because you have many interests, don't value success per se and don't need the money, I'd say intelligence makes you less likely to be fully committed.\

And this makes Gulbis more interesting at the same time as well. He clearly doesn't take himself so seriously that he's uptight about anything, and he cares little enough about what others think of him that he'll speak his mind. He's a guy that's fun to watch and enjoys life, while being interesting enough to learn from and be inspiring.

 

[Deleted member 716271]

I have no clue how anyone can enjoy reading an e book. I only do it if it's the only way I can get a certain book. It's vastly inferior to reading a book in your hands and turning the pages, and also headache-inducing.

 

[Shells15]

I have no clue how anyone can enjoy reading an e book. I only do it if it's the only way I can get a certain book. It's vastly inferior to reading a book in your hands and turning the pages, and also headache-inducing.

Yeah, it's really tiring for the eyes.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Doesnt surprise me

Gulbis is the prophet in the tennis world.

Never mind being a God among men.

 

[Shells15]

To adress the title, there's no reason to assume Gulbis was one of the unlikelier players on Tour to be well read. If anything, he comes off as very sharp, and pretty disagreeable with a few things that are considered normal for tennis players. It's very clear that he thinks for himself and forms his own opinions on things more than most, so it's very likely he's more interested in complicated reading than most other players.

And this has nothing to do with his committment to tennis. You can be a complete ****** and 100% by blindly doing what people tell you to. If anything, if you're less committed because you have many interests, don't value success per se and don't need the money, I'd say intelligence makes you less likely to be fully committed.\

And this makes Gulbis more interesting at the same time as well. He clearly doesn't take himself so seriously that he's uptight about anything, and he cares little enough about what others think of him that he'll speak his mind. He's a guy that's fun to watch and enjoys life, while being interesting enough to learn from and be inspiring.

Maybe some of his off-court shenanigans have given him a bit of a reputation, but I get what you mean.

 

[Deleted member 756514]

Found this on YouTube

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

 

[Shells15]

Found this on YouTube

Gosh, the last comment by Jamie about Andy not reading and that it "shows in his intelligence" is pretty true actually. Andy does not come across as being particularly bright.

Novak a few years ago said something about regretting missing out on learning and going to university and that it was his biggest regret.

 

[Deleted member 756514]

Gosh, the last comment by Jamie about Andy not reading and that it "shows in his intelligence" is pretty true actually. Andy does not come across as being particularly bright.

Novak a few years ago said something about regretting missing out on learning and going to university and that it was his biggest regret.

I loved Verdasco's answer. The guy is so excited about finishing a book on a flight.

 

[cc0509]

It's good that he reads as most of these players probably haven't read a book(that isn't a comic book) in their lives. He probably learned that from his parents as they are apparently both book collectors. That makes a big difference and informs how a kid will turn out in that respect(that and education.) But when we talk about players with unlikeable personalities, Gulbis is right up there for me. He's a real arse IMO. I don't like him at all. I don't like his opinions on a multitude of subjects that he's talked about publicly.

As for reading a real book instead of on an e-reader, I'm with Gulbis on that. I prefer to buy books and hold them in my hand as I'm reading rather than read on a device. And like Gulbis, I also still like to hold a newspaper in my hand rather than read the news on a computer.

 

[cc0509]

Gosh, the last comment by Jamie about Andy not reading and that it "shows in his intelligence" is pretty true actually. Andy does not come across as being particularly bright.

Novak a few years ago said something about regretting missing out on learning and going to university and that it was his biggest regret.

Andy is not scholastically bright but he seems more street smart.

Djokovic definitely seems more of an intellectual than a lot of these pro players(including Federer and Nadal.) Apparently, he reads a lot. Good for him. But none of the Big Four players are "stupid." You can't win what they have and be at the top of the sport for so long and be stupid. It's impossible. There are different kinds of intelligence.

 

[Shells15]

Andy is not scholastically bright but he seems more street smart.

Djokovic definitely seems more of an intellectual than a lot of these pro players(including Federer and Nadal.) Apparently, he reads a lot. Good for him. But none of the Big Four players are "stupid." You can't win what they have and be at the top of the sport for so long and be stupid. It's impossible. There are different kinds of intelligence.

Andy isn't dumb, but he's not street smart either. His brother seems more intelligent and cultured in general.
And yes, none of the top players are stupid.

 

[Shells15]

Just realised Gulbis was number 10 in the rankings once. Didn't realise he was ever in the top 10.

 

[cc0509]

Andy isn't dumb, but he's not street smart either. His brother seems more intelligent and cultured in general.
And yes, none of the top players are stupid.

I don't know a thing about his brother. I think I've heard him speak once or twice.

To me, Andy seems witty with a quick sense of humor.

 

[mike danny]

I remember Kyrgios saying at one point that he doesn't read books.

It's a bit sad really to admit that as if it's nothing. And he didn't look too bothered about it either.

I find it sad going through life without reading books.

 

[Mainad]

Just realised Gulbis was number 10 in the rankings once. Didn't realise he was ever in the top 10.

He was ranked #10 for 3 weeks back in June 2014.

 

[Mainad]

I don't know a thing about his brother. I think I've heard him speak once or twice.

To me, Andy seems witty with a quick sense of humor.

Jamie is more articulate and chatty. Andy is more laconic with a very dry sense of humour.

 

[FudgeMyn]

I remember Kyrgios saying at one point that he doesn't read books.

It's a bit sad really to admit that as if it's nothing. And he didn't look too bothered about it either.

I find it sad going through life without reading books.

he probably meant in his free time. 99.9% sure whatever school he went to. made him read books for an assignment.

 

[FudgeMyn]

Regarding the topic. im waiting for tennis to get their own Thomas Pynchon

 

[mike danny]

he probably meant in his free time. 99.9% sure whatever school he went to. made him read books for an assignment.

Someone reading in his free time is the essential part. And I say this because reading is much more pleasant when you do it on your own free will instead of doing it on obligation. In other words a reader is one who reads in his own free time and not because it is an assignment.

Kyrgios not reading in his own free time simply shows he is not a reader, which is sad.