Status: Winner of two ATP singles titles. Highest singles rank was #29 in May of 2009. Has career wins over Agassi, Davydenko, Del Potro, Cilic, Djokovic, Robredo, Simon, Haas, Gonzalez, Safin, Ferrero, Karlovic.
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 165
DOB: May 22, 1981 In: Vienna, Austria
Tennis Inspirations: “Well, I had of course – it went from Edberg to Stich and Rafter. I liked the elegance and technical perfection of Stich.”
Hobbies/Leisure Activities: “I was playing soccer until I was 14. It’s still one of my hobbies. I like that very much. And also going to the movies and hanging out with friends, of course, when you’re home. You gotta do that. Play golf.”
First Tennis Memory: “I think it was this Davis Cup match Muster against Agassi back home in Vienna with 15,000 people watching. That’s the earliest tennis memory I think I have. It was in 1990 which I was playing soccer at the moment. So not pretty much into tennis but this I remember.”
Favorite Movie: “The Replacements.”
Musical Tastes: “Bon Jovi, REM, and this kind of music.”
Favorite Meal: “Schnitzel.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Chocolate.”
Pre-Match Feeling: “Well, going out and trying to do my best, which I do all the time. And if it works, it works. If not, gotta try the next time.”
First Car: “Honda (black).”
Current Car: “Alfa Romeo.”
Greatest Sports Moment: “Beating Agassi in Toronto in 2004, for sure my greatest moment in tennis. Also winning my first ATP title in Bucharest (d. Volandri in 2006). And winning title in Vienna last year (d. Cilic).”
Most Painful Moment: “Oooh, that’s some tough…I lost to Ginepri in Davis Cup, leading two sets to love was pretty painful (2003). But there are a lot of painful moments, but you try to block them out of your mind [smiles].”
Funny Tennis Memory: “Well, some exhibitions with Yannick Noah were funny when I was young. He’s not doing it anymore, or not a lot, so this was one of the funny moments.”
Closest Tennis Friend: “Is Alex Peya.”
Funniest Players Encountered: “Mark Merklein. He was always talking shit, so that’s why he’s funny.”
Toughest Competitors: “I think Lleyton Hewitt when he was #1 was the toughest competitor that I played. He was always fighting well. That’s why he was so good.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Well, I think Pete Sampras is to be admired. I like the way he finished his career – awesome.”
More Biofiles at www.thebiofile.com
Photo Credit: www.Juergenmelzer.at
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Mark Sanders · June 4, 2010 at 1:18 am
Schnitzel (dry fried chicken or veal covered with dry breadcrumbs) is your favorite meal? You gotta get out more Juergen- Try a lobster
Scoop Malinowski · June 4, 2010 at 5:25 pm
The strangest answer I ever got on meal was from NBA player Tim Thomas who said, Pasta. I then asked if liked to add anything to it thinking like sauce or meatballs or cheese. He actually said he puts sugar on his pasta. he wasn’t kidding either.