Rhyne Williams: The Biofile

© Scoop Malinowski

American Rhyne Williams, who qualified into his first US Open main draw, talks with Scoop Malinowski for this Biofile...

First Tennis Memory: “My grandfather (Mike DePalmer Sr.) and my mother (Michelle DePalmer Williams) feeding me balls down in Bollettieri in Bradenton, Florida. Both were coaches, they taught me tennis, they taught me everything I know.”

Tennis Inspirations: “My whole family. They’re all huge tennis people. Everyone grew up playing tennis, my sisters, my cousins. They’re my inspirations.”

Last Book Read: “Harry Potter, the last one.”

Current Car: “Dodge Durango.”

Nickname: “Rhyno.”

Greatest Sports Moment: “I would say getting to do the Davis Cup in Monte Carlo (2012), for hitting partner.”

Most Painful Moment: “Never had any injuries.”

Favourite Tournament: “U.S. Open.”

Closest Tennis Friend(s): “My cousin – he’s my coach and cousin – Christopher Williams.”

Funniest Players Encountered: “Marinko Matosevic – pretty goofy guy. I think Andy Murray is a great guy and funny guy as well. Dry humour [smiles].”

Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “French Open junior, first round, I was up 6-3 5-2 with about seven or eight match points on my serve. And I ended up losing. (To who?) Couldn’t tell you.”

Funny Tennis Memory: “College tennis, winning the SEC tournament and just having a great party in the locker room.”

First Famous Tennis Player You Ever Met Or Encountered: “Roger Federer. (Where?) In Cincinnati. That was five years ago. He actually needed a practice partner. So I was out there hitting with
him. And he’s just a great guy. It was a blast.”

Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: “Baseball.”

Three Athletes You Like To Watch And Follow: “Roger. I love Roger. Chipper Jones. And Michael Phelps.”

People Qualities Most Admired: “I’m more of a laid-back guy. I like hanging out with people that are relaxed and low-strung.”

Courtesy of Scoop Malinowski, tennis-prose.com