ATP World Tour And ATP Champions Tour Unite At Delray Beach Open

Photo Credit: CameraSportTennis fans will enjoy 10 days of break point action when the twenty-sixth annual Delray Beach Open bounces back into town February 16, 2018. Two tournaments in one—the ATP World Tour and ATP Champions Tour—the Delray Beach Open features a non-stop schedule of games, tennis clinics hosted by ATP pros, mixed doubles mega-mixers, ladies luncheons, and more. Guests will also have the chance to see and meet some of the world’s top players, including Juan Martín del Potro, Jack Sock, and the legendary John McEnroe. Click HERE for schedules, tickets, and more information.

We caught up with four returning ATP World Tour players, Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, Donald Young, and Matthew Ebden, ahead of their matches to share their bucket lists, off-court activities, and what they enjoy most about Delray Beach.

Sam Querrey (USA)

Stats: 2016 Delray Beach Open singles champion | 2017 Wimbledon semifinalist | World Top 15
Photo Credit: Peter Staples

What’s your favorite tennis racket?

Babolat Pure Arrow

Which tennis player you’d most like to play with?

Pete Sampras

What do you like to do when you’re not playing tennis? 

I like walking around the Farmers Market.

What’s something you’re passionate about?

Having great friends.

What is something about you we don’t know about you?

I have a one-year-old French bulldog named Lou. I take her to most of my tournaments.

Do you have a sports superstition?

I have no superstitions.

What skill are you famous for?

My serve

What can’t you leave home without?

A casual hat

What’s on your bucket list?

Seattle, Washington

What’s your advice for young tennis players? 

Have fun and don’t get too down on the losses.

What do you enjoy most about Delray Beach?

The Boca Raton Resort. It’s one of my favorite hotels, and hopefully, I will stay there again. It’s awesome.

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Steve Johnson (USA)

Stats: 2014 Delray Beach Open semifinalist

What’s your favorite tennis racket?

Yonex V-Core SV98

Which tennis player you’d most like to play with?

Pete Sampras or Andre Agassi

What do you like to do when you’re not playing tennis? 

Play a lot of golf, hit the beach, and enjoy life in Los Angeles.

What’s something you’re passionate about?

Time spent with my family and friends are precious.

What’s something about you we don’t know about you?

I enjoy baking.

What skill are you famous for?

My forehand and backhand slice.

What can’t you leave home without?

My tennis rackets.

What’s on your bucket list?

Playing the world’s greatest golf courses.

What’s your advice for young tennis players? 

It’s a long and tough road, but enjoy the process. It’s a thrill to do something you love and do it for a living.

What do you enjoy most about Delray Beach?

I enjoy staying at the Boca Raton Resort. It’s a very peaceful place.

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Donald Young (USA)

Stats: 2015 Delray Beach Open finalist

Favorite tennis racket?

Dunlop Srixon CT

Which tennis player would you like to play with most?

I would love to play Marcelo Rios. That would be cool.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing tennis? 

Hanging out with my friends, watching movies, and taking naps. I’m a professional napper.

What’s something you’re passionate about? 

Helping kids.

What’s something about you we don’t know about you, but should?

I mentor at the Boys and Girls Club. I help kids with their homework, talk to them about life, and am a sports figure they can look up to.

Do you have a sports superstition?

When I’m in the United States, I always eat at Applebee’s every night before a match. The spinach and artichoke dip and chicken broccoli fettuccine Alfredo bowl save me every time.

What skill are you famous for?

Taking photos.

What’s something you can’t leave home without?

My phone.

What’s on your bucket list?

To win a Grand Slam title.

What advice would you give to young tennis players? 

Listen to your coaches. You can always improve and learn.

What do you enjoy most about Delray Beach?

I love hitting up Rally’s for french fries.

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Matthew Ebden (Australia)

Stats: Played five times in the Delray Beach Open

Photo Credit: ATP World Tour

What’s your favorite tennis racket?

Head Instinct

Which tennis player would you like to play with most?

Andre Agassi. I always watched him play when I was growing up. He retired just as I came on the scene.

What do you like to do when you’re not playing tennis? 

Watching movies and hanging out on the beach. I’m Australian so being near the water is relaxing.

What’s something you’re passionate about?

Spending quality time with family, my wife, and our close friends.

What’s something we don’t know about you, but should?

I’m a watch nerd. I love collecting timepieces.

Do you have a sports superstition?

No superstitions, but I like when things run like clockwork. I have routines that make me feel comfortable, like how much sleep I get and when, or what, I eat and drink.

What’s something you can’t leave home without?

My wife.

What’s on your bucket list?

Playing some of the greatest golf courses in the world.

What do you enjoy most about Delray Beach?

I love this town. I especially like the beaches and outdoor activities, like swimming and stand-up paddle boarding.