30 Oct 2004 18:46:59

104

professionalism

Here's a nice example of tennis professionalism and maturity: "What do you like most about being a professional tennis player?" "It's just the feeling of doing something that I love doing. I'm very lucky to have a job that I really enjoy. Having the chance to compete and travel around the world, it's a very nice thing for me." "Which tennis player do you most admire, and why?" "[names another top player]. The way he acts on and off the court I think is great. He's so professional in the way he plays, and all the things he does, in interviews and everything else." What top-pro age-bracket do these answers sound like they're coming from? One would think maybe some mid-30's elder statesman, like the [recently retired?] Todd Martin, right? Answer is below: It's 16-year-old Ana Ivanovic! Nice. http://www.wtatour.com/gettingtoknow/stories/gtk_Ana_Ivanovic_5597_rx.asp, near bottom