Michael answers fans questions

Bill Roehrich ask:

Hi. I’m bill roehrich and I want to ask Michael the following question:
just wanted to say i have seen you in a couple of matches up here in the sacramento area and you seem to be a truly good person.. always nice to the ballkids, respectful and i for one think that is great… thank you …  question is what kind of strings do you use??  best of luck!!!!

A: Thank you for the kind words.  I always try to treat the ball kids with respect as they are volunteering to help the players.  I really enjoy playing in the Sacramento area and glad that you were able to watch me play, hopefully I played well.  As far as string, I use Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power 1.25mm.  I have used this string for almost 10 years.  I have tried others, but I always seem to come back to this one.  I hope all is well in California and thank you for the support.

Greg Labanowski ask:

Q:  Michael, how do you walk onto a big court in tennis (Rod Laver Arena, Ashe, etc) and not get distracted by the fans and all of the noises to where you give away the first few games in the set until you get settled?

A:  Thanks for your question Greg.  I make sure that I have a very good warm-up before I walk on to the court.  That includes a 30 – 45 minute hit session earlier in the day, and also a light run right before I walk on the court.  It is normal to be nervous in the beginning of a match, so regular deep breaths and positive mental reinforcement help to relax me when I walk on the court.  I also love to play in front of a crowd because that is what entertainers do, so it is the pinnacle of being a professional tennis player.  Hope this helps, thank you for your support

Q:  Was your win against Wayne Odesnik last Monday your biggest comeback of your career, down a break 0-6,5-3?

A:  My comeback against Wayne Odesnik was one of my best, but at the 2001 French Open Qualifying in the first round I was down 6-4,5-4 match point and my opponent had volley on top of the net.  Somehow I managed to win the match, and the rest is history.  I went on to qualify for the French Open and make the 4th round where I held match point against #1 in the world Gustavo Kuerten before losing in 5 sets.

Glenn Steinberg ask:

Q:  Michael were you the player mentioned in Agassi’s book: It says that in ‘97 Brad was looking for a “sparring partner” for Agassi while he was in North Carolina and then it goes on to say that you blew out your shoulder as a result.   Was that you?
I also saw you play back at Country Day.  Great to see that you’re still playing and playing well after all those unfortunate injuries.

A:  Glenn,  you are right!!  That was me, not sure why Andre didn’t put my name in the book, but I fractured my arm while practicing with him in 1997. That is great you remember me from Detroit Country Day, I have a lot of nice memories from high school and really enjoyed my time there. I hope you are doing well and thanks for your question and support