Status: Won first ATP tournament in Kitzbuhel, Austria last week (August 2011), defeating Montanes. Has career wins over Berdych, Murray, Bagdhatis, Grosjean.
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 175
DOB: April 6, 1987 In: The Hague, Netherlands
First Tennis Memory: “I was two or something. A long time ago. The first thing that I remember is that I played with my parents just on a court. Hit as many balls as I could.”
Tennis Inspirations: “When I was younger, because my family all played tennis, I always had to go with them, with my older brother and my older sister, just when they practiced. So that was my inspiration of course, to play as well. And from the top players my idol was always Agassi.”
Nicknames: “Most of the time they call me by my last name. In Holland they call me Schlubber.”
Hobbies/Interests: “Read a lot of books, watch a lot of TV series. I love to watch a lot of other sports as well. Of course when I’m home I like to do stuff with my friends.”
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: “That’s difficult. Any ball game actually. Basketball. And I like ice hockey as well to watch.”
Last Book Read: “Sampras actually, on the plane to here. Now I’m reading Agassi.”
Favorite Movies: “The classical movies, I like The Shawshank Redemption, thrillers.”
Favorite TV Shows: “I’m really into Heroes and Lost right now. And I like Entourage as well.”
Pre-Match Feeling: “Actually I try not to think about the match as much because then I get nervous. I just like to hang out with my coach and not stay alone in the locker room, and be around people. Then, 5-10 minutes before the match, warm up and that’s when I really get into the mindset of the match.”
Favorite Meal: “Lasagna.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “I don’t know [laughs].”
Current Car: “I drive a Fiat, it’s a sponsor car (red).”
Greatest Sports Moment: “I beat Andy Murray in front of the home crowd (Rotterdam).”
Most Painful Moment: “That I’ve been injured for the last 1 1/2 years, 18 months.”
Fasvorite Tournament: “I like Australian Open. It’s my favorite grand slam. The atmosphere, I love the country, I like the warm weather. Always some really nice matches. As well, Rotterdam and tournaments in Holland I really enjoy.”
Closest Tennis Friends: “I’m good friends with Jarkko Nieminen, Michael Russell, Cilic.”
Funniest Players Encountered: “I don’t know.”
Toughest Competitors: “Oh, for sure, they’re at the top, so it’s Federer, Nadal and Davydenko actually.”
Favorite Players To Watch: “I enjoy watching Nalbandian. (Why?) I love his game. He’s maybe the most all around player in the whole world. I think if he wouldn’t have been that injured that much and would have been fitter, for sure, he would have been higher ranked than what he has been.”
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: “I fell down after a win in Rotterdam. I jumped up in the sky and I fell down [smiles]. I beat Murray first round, then Berrer after a set and almost a break down.”
Funny Tennis Memory: “Oh, a lot. Almost every day. That’s why I enjoy it. I saw a guy miss like 15 or 16 break points and didn’t know what to do. So after he had another break point and then at the second serve of the guy, he just turned around. And then watched. Then the guy hit a double fault [smiles]. (Where?) At a Future in Israel.”
Best You Ever Felt On Court: “I played a good match in Amersfoort against Felix Mantilla once in the first round where I thought it would be a really long match. And I really killed him. (Reaction from him?) He was actually quite nice. I played him a week after, then it actually was a three-setter in a long match. I beat him as well. Not long after that he quit. I saw him a few times after, he was really a nice guy.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “Being honest. Yeah, of course, when I’m playing in the tennis world, being competitive. Or be a sportsman.”
More Biofiles at www.thebiofile.com
Photo Credit: Alberto Amalfi
Talented Dutchman is back after two knee surgeries
Dan Markowitz · June 24, 2010 at 6:37 pm
I like this kid’s game. And he’s 6-4. And he looks like a young Tom Hanks!
Scoop Malinowski · June 25, 2010 at 2:12 am
Haase showed a lot today and that he could be a future force. But Nadal won this match like he wins so many, on sheer raw desire and hunger. Nobody wants it more than Nadal.
The kid is very likable, very smart, and a very good colorful interview.