RSS Feeds E-News Sign Up Print
Tennis Anyone?

In less than a week, the New York Liberty and Indiana Fever will make history when they meet at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first professional regular season basketball game to be played outdoors.

Arthur Ashe Stadium is no stranger to memorable and historic events ... they just usually involved a tennis racquet rather than a basketball hoop.

With that in mind, we asked a number of WNBA players, coaches and executives about their experience with the sport of tennis. Find out who can play, who their favorite players are and which WNBA player they think would be the best with a racquet in hand.

Kelly Mazzante, Phoenix Mercury


What is your background/interest in tennis? What level did you play at and how good were you?
I played tennis growing up, and in high school competitively. I took lessons and everything, and was interested in playing collegiately, but basketball won that! I didn't lose a match in the regular season in singles or doubles for 4 years, but got beat at the state playoffs.

Who was your favorite tennis player growing up and why?
I loved watching Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe on the men's side, and Steffi Graf on the women's. It was a ritual for my mom and I to watch the US Open and Wimbledon, and they were some of the best during that time.

If you could play in any of the four majors, which one would you choose? (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open)
I would play in Wimbledon, because of the tradition, and I'd like to play on grass!

What was the best part of your tennis game? (serve, quickness, play at the net, etc.)
The best part of my game was my serve and net play, and I had a wicked 2 handed backhand! :) I was pretty fast too, so usually I just ran down everything, which made up for my groundstrokes not being that good.

Do you still play tennis? If so, when and how often?
I play every once in awhile! I still have my rackets from high school. Its kind of too hot to play in Phoenix, but I definitely miss it, and will probably play more once I'm done with basketball.

Has anything you learned in tennis helped you on the basketball court?
I think playing helped improve how I play on the court, and mentally its so different because you are on your own, but it was definitely a sport I loved doing, and helped carry over to my basketball career.

Which WNBA player would make the best tennis player?
Me, of course!


Kelly Miller, Phoenix Mercury


What is your background/interest in tennis? What level did you play at and how good were you?
I started playing tennis when I was 7 years old. I pretty much played year-round until the 8th grade. I played on the varsity at No. 2 singles when I was in the 7th grade and went undefeated. Soccer was one of my favorite sports and because it was in the same season as tennis I decided I wanted to play soccer instead, so I stopped playing competitively at 8th grade.

Who was your favorite tennis player growing up and why?
I loved watching Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. I loved how hard Agassi worked and how he chased down balls. He was just an exciting player to watch.

If you could play in any of the four majors, which one would you choose? (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open)
Probably the US Open. I remember watching this major the most growing up.

What was the best part of your tennis game? (serve, quickness, play at the net, etc.)
I had a pretty good serve and backhand and I was good at chasing down balls.

Do you still play tennis? If so, when and how often?
I try to play every now and then, but I don’t seem to have much time anymore.

Has anything you learned in tennis helped you on the basketball court?
Tennis definitely helps with your footwork and quickness and mental toughness as well.


Coco Miller, Washington Mystics


What is your background/interest in tennis? What level did you play at and how good were you?
I started playing tennis at the age of seven and continued to play all the way up until my sophomore year in high school. I played on my high school team in the 7th grade. I had to choose between soccer and tennis, eventually I chose soccer but I still love to play tennis.

Who was your favorite tennis player growing up and why?
I used to love to watch Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Steffi Graff, and Martina Hingis play. I especially liked Andre Agassi for his awesome serve and he was just really fun to watch play.

If you could play in any of the four majors, which one would you choose? (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open)
I would probably choose either Wimbledon or the U.S. Open. Those are the two that I follow the most and they seem to be the best and most prestigious of all the majors.

What was the best part of your tennis game? (serve, quickness, play at the net, etc.)
I had a really good first serve and my quickness was to my advantage against my opponents.

Do you still play tennis? If so, when and how often?
I try to play tennis as often as I can, but unfortunately it can be difficult to fit in. I still love to watch it though.

Has anything you learned in tennis helped you on the basketball court?
Tennis definitely helped me and provided me with the foot work I need to be a good basketball player. Some of the movements are similar and it helped improve my lateral quickness and agility that I carry over to the basketball court. Mental toughness also applies to both sports as well.


Nicole Powell, Sacramento Monarchs


What is your background/interest in tennis? What level did you play at and how good were you?
I played juniors when I was young and eventually stop playing competitively and just played high school tennis.

Who was your favorite tennis player growing up and why?
Steffi Graf was my favorite player because of her dominance and killer forehand.

If you could play in any of the four majors, which one would you choose? (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open)
I’m torn between Wimbledon and the US Open because of the different environments. I guess I would say the US Open.

What was the best part of your tennis game? (serve, quickness, play at the net, etc.)
My serve and my volley.

Do you still play tennis? If so, when and how often?
I don’t get to play very often due to my schedule. I still have my rackets and keep in touch with my coach. I can’t wait to play again when I can put in the time.

Has anything you learned in tennis helped you on the basketball court?
Tennis has helped my physical game with footwork and fitness. There is definitely a crossover. Tennis is mentally challenging and you need to be quick on your feet.

Which WNBA player would make the best tennis player?
Adrian Williams-Strong. She has grace, great footwork, coordination and skill.


Kelly Krauskopf, Fever COO & GM


What is your background/interest in tennis? What level did you play at and how good were you?
My mother played tennis in leagues and tournaments and we watched all the major tournaments on tv when I was growing up. I started playing more frequently in college. I played in some tournaments in the summer but basketball usually took most of my time. As a young girl I would hit tennis balls against the side of our house for hours – when I was not shooting baskets.

Who was your favorite tennis player growing up and why?
I loved watching Connors and Navratilova. Both are lefty’s like me. I also loved watching Chris Evert – she made it look so easy.

If you could play in any of the four majors, which one would you choose? (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open)
I would love to play in Wimbledon – there is something about the elegance and grandeur of that stadium and the tradition of the tournament.

What was the best part of your tennis game? (serve, quickness, play at the net, etc.)
Probably the net – since I am 6 ft tall – I can reach a lot of balls

Do you still play tennis? If so, when and how often?
Unfortunately I have not played tennis in over two years – I really like the sport and would love to find the time to get out there. Coach Dunn had me down hitting against the wall with her last year – that was the extent of my tennis playing! Has anything you learned in tennis helped you on the basketball court?
The footwork and reaction skills help on the basketball court -

Which WNBA player would make the best tennis player?
I think Catchings or Bevilaqua would make great tennis players – both have great reaction skills and are determined to beat you on every play!


Tully Bevilaqua, Indiana Fever


What is your background/interest in tennis? What level did you play at and how good were you?
I played tennis as a junior and actually particapted in tennis tournaments. I was more of a doubles person and my partner and I did come close to winning a few events. My tennis dropped off when I wanted to concentrate more on basketball at the age of 17.

Who was your favorite tennis player growing up and why?
May all time favourite was Chris Everett but closely followed by Steffi Graf. Honestly I can't remember why at the time I chose them.

If you could play in any of the four majors, which one would you choose? (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open)
I would choose Wimbledon. Just the tradition that it still upholds makes it seem special and I grew up on grass courts, also. Plus I would love to taste the traditional strawberries and cream that is a must at Wimbledon.

What was the best part of your tennis game? (serve, quickness,play at the net, etc.)
Back in the day I had a mean double-handed backhand. My service game was a bit up and down like Anna Kournikova's so I could never rely on that.

Do you still play tennis? If so, when and how often?
Unfortunately I haven't played tennis for a long time. Golf has now become my sport of choice ... it’s a bit less taxing on the body!!

Has anything you learned in tennis helped you on the basketball court?
I learned that you just have to play each point and not think of the finish line. I played a game where I was up 5-0 and thinking I was already home, but ended up losing. I started celebrating too early.

Which WNBA player would make the best tennis player?
Geez who to choose?? I think Tamika Catchings would be up there. I've also had a game against Lauren Jackson and she would be a good choice also. Both those players would be great at court coverage and trying to lob them would be hard. Now did I beat Lauren that day or she beat me???? :-)


Lin Dunn, Indiana Fever Head Coach


What is your background/interest in tennis? What level did you play at and how good were you?
I played college tennis (at UT-Martin), singles and doubles … and back in the day was better than average ... fierce competitor ... known to dive for balls!!

Who was your favorite tennis player growing up and why?
Billie Jean King!!! The best!! ... great player and advocate for womens sports and womens rights

If you could play in any of the four majors, which one would you choose? (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open)
Wimbledon

What was the best part of your tennis game? (serve, quickness, play at the net, etc.)
Killer play at the net!!!

Do you still play tennis? If so, when and how often?
Yes … doubles … back in Martin, Tennessee with former college friends ... we have a "no running rule”

Has anything you learned in tennis helped you on the basketball court?
Perseverance!!

Which WNBA player would make the best tennis player?
Catchings!!! ... she will never quit!!! ... fight you to the end!


Erin Thorn, NY Liberty


What is your background/interest in tennis? What level did you play at and how good were you?
It's strictly recreational for me, but I use it for cross training in the off-season. I love it. I watch all of the majors, and just watched the Federer-Nadal, instant classic at Wimbledon and am looking forward to watching this year's U.S. Open in person. I did track during high school, which was during the tennis season, so that's why I would only play recreationally. I would play with my guy friends and hold my own against one who even played for the school's tennis team.

Who was your favorite tennis player growing up and why?
On the men's side it was Agassi and Sampras, I loved watching them. And for the women, it was Monica Seles.

If you could play in any of the four majors, which one would you choose? (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open)
Probably the US Open because its in the country, but Wimbledon would be cool, too.

What was the best part of your tennis game? (serve, quickness, play at the net, etc.)
I have a pretty good backhand, a two handed one. When it's on, it's on.

Do you still play tennis? If so, when and how often?
Yes, during the off-season I use it for cross training, and play probably once a week when I get the time. Other than that, twice a month.

Has anything you learned in tennis helped you on the basketball court?
There's nothing I have learned, but I do use it to prepare my game, just like for training, it helps my quickness.

Which WNBA player would make the best tennis player?
Tamika Catchings, because of her quickness and athleticism. She's long and tall, so she could get leverage on serve.

Sign up for our free newsletter, contests and exclusive team information