Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
May 14, 2001

Robby Ginepri, left, and Jeff Morrison, right, stopped by and answered your questions. (usta.com)

Two young Americans, 18-year-old Robby Ginepri and 22-year-old Jeff Morisson, chatted live from the Centura USTA $50,000 Men's Challenger event in Rocky Mount, N.C. Ginepri. They are currently tied for 161 in singles in the ATP champions race, and Morrison, No. 374, recently teamed up in doubles competition.

Ginepri, from Marietta, Georgia, last year won the singles title at the Easter Bowl 18s and was runner-up at the 2000 US Open junior boys competition. He finished 2000 ranked No. 15 in the ITF world junior rankings. He has qualified into two ATP events this year, the Ericsson Open and the U.S. Men's Clay Courts in Houston two weeks ago.

Morrison , 1999 NCAA singles champion for the University of Florida, has competed extensively on the USTA Professional Circuit. In 200 he was singles runner-up at the USTA Futures in Lafayette, Louisiana. This year, he reached the final of the USTA Futures of Boca Raton.

Jeff Morrison: Thanks for joining Robby and I here this afternoon. We are fresh off the court with a 7-5, 7-6 win over Damien Furmanski and Patricio Arquez. We are at the Centura USTA Challenger in Rocky Mount, NC and we look forward to your questions.

Question: You guys are both young up and comers, can you tell us a little about yourselves?

Jeff Morrison: I went three years to the U of Florida. Won NCAAs in my Soph year, 1999. And I turned pro in July of 2000. I am working my way up the ranks and am currently 374 in singles.

Robby Ginepri: I am graduating high school next week. I am not going to go to college. I turned pro in December.

Question: How did you both get started in tennis? How long have you been playing?

Robby Ginepri: I was about 5 and my parents would play ALTA and I would follow them down to the courts. I've been playing since I was 5 but seriously since I was about 12.

Jeff Morrison: My parents played a lot and I would go with them too. When they were done my Dad would hit a few to me to keep me happy. I was about 5 or 6. Competitively I have been playing tournaments since I was 13.

Question: Why do you feel tennis is a popular sport for families?

Jeff Morrison: I think it is something everyone can do, no matter your age. I can be tough for a dad to run around the soccer field but tennis incorporates the whole family.

Robby Ginepri: I think it is pretty relaxing, You can get out and play against each other. If you have a sibling you can play against Mom and Dad.

Question: Jeff, you went back to college for your junior year after winning the 1999 NCAA title. Would you do that again if you had to do it over again or turn pro right away?

Jeff Morrison: I think I made the right decision. I went back and got physically stronger, matured a bit and enjoyed my year at college playing with the team.

Question: Robby, you turned pro very recently. Has the first few months of your pro career been what you expected?

Robby Ginepri: Actually the first few months I was hurt. I tore ligaments in my left thumb. But the first tournament back was the Ericsson and it has been pretty much what I thought it would be.

Question: Who has been the biggest influence on your game?

Robby Ginepri: It would have to be my dad. He doesn't really expect a lot of me. He wants me to do well but doesn't put pressure on me. He motivates me and stands by me whatever happens.

Jeff Morrison: My former coach Rudy Vargas. He just passed in a car accident on April 22nd. He had been my coach since I was 15 and showed me the way and motivated me. I will miss him tremendously.

Question: What opportunities have you had playing tennis that you wouldn't have had playing another sport?

Jeff Morrison: I think the travel, specifically. I have been to Europe and over the US since I was 14 or 15. I have been very fortunate to do that.

Robby Ginepri: I agree with what Jeff said. The traveling and meeting all different kinds of people. Going to different places, seeing the food they eat and how it varies from the United States.

Question: Becoming one of the best is a very difficult thing in pro tennis, how do you think you can get there? What do you need to do to get there?

Robby Ginepri: Just working every day as hard as you can. And don't pass up any opportunities. Stay on track, focus and don't let anyone pull you off track.

Jeff Morrison: I think keeping things in perspective is good. You will have good weeks and bad weeks. Trying your hardest and doing your best, obviously. I try to stay in a good mood and keep it all in perspective. And try to work your hardest, day in and day out.

Question: Robby, I know you and Todd Martin have trained together. What kinds of things have you learned from him?

Robby Ginepri: That was when I actually hurt my thumb, when I was working out with him the first time. Right before the AT&T Atlanta Challenge, I went to stay with him for a week. He taught me, not really stroke wise or fundamentals, but good tips here and there. And what things to do and not do before tournaments.

Question: What do you guys like to do when you're not on the court?

Robby Ginepri: I like fishing. That really relaxes me and gets me away from everything. And hanging out with my buddies.

Jeff Morrison: I love golf. I like to sleep a lot. A whole lot!

Question: How would your careers be different if there had been more activities like those during USA Month when you were younger?

Jeff Morrison: It would obviously enhance our careers. The knowledge about the game and the tournaments -- the information about the game when we were kids wasn't the best. I think it helps the knowledge and awareness about the tennis game.

Robby Ginepri: There would be more camps and the chance to train with a lot of people. It gives kids the opportunity to learn more about the game.

Question: Who did you try to emulate when you were young? And do you think young players should copy someone's style or just find what is natural for their ability and body?

Robby Ginepri: My favorite player was Michael Chang. I was pretty small growing up and he is kind of small and stocky and I liked the way he played growing up. I think they should go with their own game and not try to imitate someone else. To be successful you have to get your own style of play and work at that. That is not saying that if you do copy someone you won't be successful!

Jeff Morrison: I loved to watch Stefan Edberg play. I liked his demeanor and his volley. I think it is easier to do what you can do with what your gift it. Develop your own game. It is tough to make your body copy someone when it has a natural way to do things.

Question: What's your favorite part of the game? What do you each feel you still need to work on?

Jeff Morrison: My favorite is just playing and competing. I love to compete. I need to work on my strength. I think I can put on a few pounds of muscle. I am kind of a skinny guy.

Robby Ginepri: My favorites is getting out on the court every day and just battling! I think I can get in a lot better physical shape than I am now. I try to get in the gym as much as I can with lifting weights and conditioning. And I can try to get my serve a little bigger.

Question: What is your upcoming schedule like? Do you plan to go to Europe for the clay and grass-court seasons or stay in the States?

Robby Ginepri: I am going to go home and graduate high school. Then I am not sure if I am going for some tournaments before Wimbledon. If not I will go to California for three tournaments there.

Jeff Morrison: I am going to play this tournament, one more clay court in Tampa, and then go to Europe for the grass court season.

Question: What are each of your goals this season?

Jeff Morrison: My goal when I set out was to be 250 in one year, so 250 in July.

Robby Ginepri: probably by the end of the year I would like to finish between 200 and 250.

Robby Ginepri: I like to answer questions for the kids when I see them and do what I can to help them. Thanks for coming.

Jeff Morrison: This has been great! I enjoyed your questions. The game of tennis is a great game and more of you should get out to play. Maybe it will take you all over the world like it has me. Thanks!