Interview from RowZTennis.com

With his attacking net game and big serve, the future certainly looks bright for the Beast, Mirnyi's nickname. Rowztennis.com briefly met Max Mirnyi before the U.S. Open, and he graciously agreed to be interviewed. We recently caught up with him while he was in Toulouse, and the Belarussian, who lives in Florida, told us about his future doubles plans with Lleyton Hewitt, the Swede who inspired him, and the scoop on a few of his doubles partners.

RowZTennis: Who were your favorite players growing up? What players do you like to watch play now?
MaxMirnyi: I was always inspired by the tennis that Stefan Edberg was producing. A few of my favorite players to watch now are Patrick Rafter and Pete Sampras, but you could never guess where you'll get the best match. At times it's not always on the show courts.

RZT: How do you describe your playing style?
MM: I am the type of player that dictates the mood of the match. I make my opponent play my game, and come up with tough shots under pressure by constantly coming forward.

RZT: How was playing in the Olympics?
MM: The experience that I've gained by just being a part of a such a huge world celebration I'll treasure forever. It was a very special feeling.

RZT: What's your favorite tennis moment?
MM: You know, one is more so than another but it all comes down to winning.

RZT: What's your favorite tennis tournament to play?
MM: I must say that I just love playing in the United States. Every tournament there has something unique of its own.

RZT: What are you working on most with your game?
MM: I work on many things that are necessary for me in order to succeed, a combination of things on and off the court. Mental training is a big part of my routine.

RZT: What do you think about the proposed changes to tennis -- the shorter sets, but best of five format?
MM: I will never support that idea because historically tennis is a very old game, and many generations played it the same way over and over again. Therefore, I want to be a part of that same family of players.

RZT: You've played doubles with a variety of partners. Will you briefly describe what it's like playing doubles with the following players:

JONAS BJORKMAN

MM: Just being able to spend time with Jonas was a wonderful experience for me. Apart from his tennis talent, he is a world class athlete and great person. Nothing but positive energy out of that relationship.

NENAD ZIMONJIC

MM: Very humble guy that always gives 100% in match and practice play. Definitely something that you look for in a partner. Nenad and I became good friends over the years.

MARK KNOWLES

MM: Very talented player that didn't accomplish what he thinks should have accomplished in tennis. I believe that it gets in the way for him, and puts extra pressure on his day-to-day life on the pro tour.

RZT: Since you and Lleyton Hewitt won the U.S. Open doubles title, will you play together again?

LLEYTON HEWITT

MM: Yes, Lleyton and I will play two more events at the end of this year in Stuttgart and Paris, and in the meantime, we'll discuss where will we team up again during the upcoming season.

RZT: You always play mixed doubles at the U.S. Open with the best women on the WTA Tour. You teamed with Serena Williams to win the 1998 U.S. Open mixed doubles title, and this year, you and Anna Kournikova reached the final. What's your secret?
MM: Can't tell you. You'll want to meet me too then. :)

RZT: Who do you hang out with on the tour?
MM: Well, generally speaking guys on the tour are very friendly and staying close to one another, sharing different things (once they are off court, of course). On a given day I may go to dinner with couple of my Russian players/friends, but two nights later I'll be playing a guitar with a few Australian mates.

RZT: If you weren't a tennis player, what would you do?
MM: I'd be a different type of athlete. Both of my parents were sportsmen, and for that reason I just don't see myself launching rockets to space.

RZT: What's your favorite food?
MM: The food that's been prepared by my Dad. He is the chef in the house.

RZT: What's your favorite movie? book?
MM: I don't really have one that stands out right now. I enjoy watching movies that carry some kind of a message. Unfortunately there aren't to many of those movies nowadays. I'm not a big reader, but when I do read, I like Russian classical literature.

RZT: According to your website, you are an avid fisherman and like to golf. Where is your favorite place to fish? What is your handicap in golf?
MM: Yes, I fish a lot. Florida is a great place for that. Every day you could go to a new place. I used to golf much more than I do now. I had a 16 handicap. Now I really enjoy just walking the course with my friends whenever they are golfing.

RZT: What type of music do you like?
MM: Classic rock, the music that lives for years.