With the 2011 WTT Season just a month away, let's take a closer look at several of the stars who will play this July! Below you will find questions and answers with eleven WTT players about their activities on and off the court! The players profiled below are:

• Roman Borvano (St. Louis Aces)
• Madison Brengle (KC Explorers)
• Lester Cook (Newport Beach Breakers)
• Nathan Healey (Philadelphia Freedoms)
• Liezel Huber (St. Louis Aces)
• Anne Keothavong (Newport Beach Breakers)
• Kveta Peschke (KC Explorers)
• Lisa Raymond (Philadelphia Freedoms)
• Arina Rodionova (Washington Kastles)
• Yasmin Schnack (Sacramento Capitals)
• Coco Vandeweghe (Boston Lobsters)

Roman Borvanov (St. Louis Aces):

1. Once Wimbledon concludes, the 36th season of World TeamTennis kicks off on July 4th. What influenced your decision to join and be a part of this innovative co-ed team format?

This is my first year playing and I would have never been able to get in the draft if not for the tour event in San Jose where I met Sam (Shaw, WTT VP of Player Recruiting) and she offered me to play. I heard so many great things about WTT and how much fun it is to play on the co-ed team, so I didn't hesitate and decided that I should play. I didn't have any points to protect this summer, so it worked out perfectly with my schedule.

2. If you had never picked up a tennis racquet, what do you think you’d be doing today? Did you have another dream job (besides tennis) growing up?

I always liked math when I was a kid. I always wanted to do something with computers and software or learn about computer game developing.

3. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

Since it's my first year playing, nobody knows that I had spent last 11 years in the Pacific Northwest and every summer on my week off from the tournaments I like going to the berry farms around Portland, OR to pick some blueberries (they are my favorite). Also, every year, I play quite a few tournaments in Mexico and I’ve started to like Mexican food a lot and have even got used to its spiciness. 

4. What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly? Do you ever cross-train for tennis by playing another sport? How about play it just for fun?

I follow the NBA, specifically the Portland Trail Blazers. For fun, I like to play ping pong and juggle a soccer ball.

5. Where’s your favorite place to travel when competing on the ATP tour? What about that location do you like so much?

I enjoy California, especially the Indian Wells tournament in March. In the summer, it's hot everywhere and can be pretty miserable, so I really like the Pacific Northwest with its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery.

6. What’s a favorite anecdote about yourself that you enjoy sharing with others?

I tell the story how I made it to the US. How my mom won the green card lottery 11 years ago, so my parents and I moved from Moldova (Eastern Europe) to the US for a chance to have a better life. I still hold a Moldovan passport and am part of the Davis Cup team.

7. If you had to choose just one, what was the toughest match you’ve ever played? What about it was so challenging?

I played a tough match this year in the second round of a challenger in Leon, Mexico against the No. 1 seed. He was serving for the match at 5-4 in both the second set and third set, but I was able to come back both times and won the match. 

8. What about tennis do you enjoy the most? How and when did you realize you wanted to commit to tennis as a career?

There is always room for improvement and I feel like I keep improving all the time. I enjoy mastering a new shot or breaking a certain habit that will allow me to get better.

After college, I didn't have any debt or family obligations, so I decided to give it a few years to see how far I could advance. My tennis career is different from most players competing in WTT. There are a lot of super stars who will play as marquee players. I haven't made millions playing this game, but I enjoy the journey and if I can make it to most big events and compete against some of the top 100 players on the weekly basis, I will be pretty happy about my tennis career. 

Madison Brengle (KC Explorers):

1. Once Wimbledon concludes, the 36th season of World TeamTennis kicks off on July 4th. What brings you back to playing for this unique tennis organization each year? 

 

This will be my second season of WTT, and my first for the Kansas City Explorers. I really enjoyed playing in my first season and I've been wanting to play again. It's a good change from tournament play.  It's fun and the matches are really competitive from the first point.

2. If you had never picked up a tennis racquet, what do you think you’d be doing today? Did you have another dream job (besides tennis) growing up?

If I wasn't a tennis player I'd like to be in some kind of journalism.

3. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

I speak fluent gibberish with my friends. It sounds absolutely ridiculous but no one can understand us when we're talking. 

4. What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly? Do you ever cross-train for tennis by playing another sport? How about play it just for fun?

I'm a big football fan (Cowboys). I've definitely tried to play other sports for fun and cross-training, but my athletic skills are limited to tennis. I trip over flat surfaces and people laugh if I try to throw a ball.

5. Where’s your favorite place to travel when competing on the WTA tour? What about that location do you like so much?

I love NYC. It just has the best of everything. The shopping and restaurants are my favorite.

6. What’s a favorite anecdote about yourself that you enjoy sharing with others?

I was at a tournament in Spain and it was the night before first round matches and the people in the adjacent room were being horribly loud. So my roommate and I decided we needed a plan to get them to quiet down. I took my iPod speakers and put it halfway under their door and blasted Hannah Montana for a solid minute. Their party cleared out of the room and we got a good night’s sleep.

7. If you had to choose just one, what was the toughest match you’ve ever played? What about it was so challenging?

The toughest match I've played was probably against one of my really good friends on tour; we practice together and have watched so many of each other’s matches that we know the other person’s game so well. It ended up being a 3 and a half hour match that I won 6-4 in the third set. It was so tough because the rallies were so long and we knew each other’s patterns so well.

8. What about tennis do you enjoy the most? How and when did you realize you wanted to commit to tennis as a career?

I just love being on the court as I just forget everything else that's going on and get to play. I knew I wanted to make this a career when I was 17.  I started to have a lot better results and that was when I decided to postpone going to college until after I was done with tennis.

Lester Cook (Newport Beach Breakers):

1. It’s time to hit the grass courts of the All England Club. What are you looking forward to most about this year’s Wimbledon?

Wimbledon has always held a special place in my heart just because of the prestige and tradition of the All England Club. I always envisioned myself wearing all white and having grass stains on my clothes when I was done. 

 2. Once Wimbledon concludes, the 36th season of World TeamTennis kicks off on July 4th. What brings you back?

I have always felt that tennis would be great if it was a team competition and this (and Davis Cup) is the closest thing that this sport has to it. I loved playing tennis in college and this is a very similar atmosphere.

3. If you had never picked up a tennis racquet, what do you think you’d be doing today? Did you have another dream job (besides tennis) growing up?

I grew up in a French household and I was always around a restaurant environment, so I think that I would be working in some aspect of the food industry. 

4. To continue the childhood theme, who did you most look to for inspiration as a kid? Was it an athlete, a friend, an older sibling, etc.? Why? 

5. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

They probably don't know that I am a dog lover and can't stand cats. 

Nathan Healey (Philadelphia Freedoms)

1. What brings you back to playing WTT?

I love the team aspect, the music, the crowd involvement, and the whole electric atmosphere.  It’s also great to be back for the Freedoms in my adopted hometown!

2. If you had never picked up a tennis racquet, what do you think you’d be doing today? Did you have another dream job (besides tennis) growing up?

I would be surfing some breaks Down Under or I would be part of a soccer team.  I had a very difficult decision to make at age 13 between tennis and soccer.

3. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

Favorite song has to be “Love Story” by Taylor Swift – I have no choice with my two year-old! I have probably listened to that song 500 times in the last month!

I also love my coffee.  That addiction started when I begun traveling back and forth from my home in Reading to my academy in Malvern!

4. What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly? Do you ever cross-train for tennis by playing another sport? How about playing just for fun?

I love to mountain bike and snowboard!  Not sure if those are wise for a tennis player, but both are really fun and incredible workouts!  Yoga is also a favorite of mine, and it works well to patch up my mind and body.

5. Where’s your favorite place to travel when competing on the ATP tour? What about that location do you like so much?

I love Switzerland.  I think it’s one of the most picturesque places on the Planet.  Beating Roger Federer in his home country also made it special….I don’t need to mention that we were 15 and 16 years old do I?

6. What’s a favorite anecdote about yourself that you enjoy sharing with others?

I am enjoying being more experienced on and off the tennis court now! It helped me to create my new philosophy of “play awake” and I love teaching it to the kids I am working with…Only sometimes I do wish I found this outlook sooner – Ha Ha.

7. If you had to choose just one, what was the toughest match you’ve ever played? What about it was so challenging?

It was one of the toughest matches, but also one of most the fun! The match was against Nikoli Davydenko in the third round of the Australian Open in 2006. I was the last Australian male left in the draw and played in front of an electrified, “booze filled” crowd.  It was 7pm and it was the first match of the day (this was due to the heat rule).  We battled for over three hours, but unfortunately I went down 7-5 in the fourth set… One of Nikoli’s comments after the match was along the lines of - “wow that Aussie crowd is crazy”….

8. What about tennis do you enjoy the most? How and when did you realize you wanted to commit to tennis as a career?

I love that the sport is global. Tennis made for such an incredible life learning experience, and I am happy to be a part of it!  I realized I wanted to become a professional tennis player at age 13.  Knowing what you want is a very important ingredient in producing world-class tennis players, but also a meaningful life.  You need that passion!  Once you find it, go for it! As there is nothing holding you back!

Liezel Huber (St. Louis Aces)

1. What are you looking forward to most about this year’s Wimbledon?

 

I love the atmosphere! It's like no other Grand Slam! I look forward to everything about it. We rent a house and can walk to the courts every day. We cook and eat every meal at home. I love coming back at night and watching the day's recap of tennis on TV!  Oh yes, and I love playing on the grass!!!

 

2. What brings you back to playing WTT each year?

 

I have lost count on how many seasons I have played, but it’s in the double digits for sure. I think it's a perfect time of the year for tennis. Great weather and good fan support, what more can you ask for?! I can't wait to be a St. Louis Ace!!!

 

3. What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly? Do you ever cross-train for tennis by playing another sport? How about playing just for fun?

 

I follow all the Houston teams! We have the Texans, Houston Rockets, Astros, Dynamos, Aeros and used to have the Comets.  I have done a few triathlons. I play of course for fun, but also to challenge myself. 

 

4. Where’s your favorite place to travel when competing on the WTA tour?

 

I love travelling to Australia! I love the weather, the people and the fresh fruit and vegetables! 

5. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

 

I guess I have a few things; I have a twin sister that is 20 minutes older than me. 

I have a pen pal (my eight year old niece) that I handwrite letters to once a week.

Although my accent is South African, I have lived longer in the U.S. than my native South Africa. 

 

Anne Keothavong (Newport Beach Breakers):

1. It's time to leave behind the red clay of Roland Garros and focus on the hallowed grass courts of the All England Club. What are you looking forward to most about this year's Wimbledon?

I live locally so I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed during the Championships and the support I get from the fans as a British player.

2. Once Wimbledon concludes, the 36th season of World TeamTennis kicks off on July 4th. What influenced your decision to play WTT this summer?

I've always wanted to play WTT and have heard so many great things from other players about it. I enjoy being part of a team and can't wait to experience something completely different.

3. If you had never picked up a tennis racquet, what do you think you'd be doing today? Did you have another dream job (besides tennis) growing up?

I've always wanted to do something in broadcasting either on screen or behind the scenes and I hope I'll still have that opportunity after my tennis career is over.

4. To continue the childhood theme, who did you most look to for inspiration as a kid? Was it an athlete, a friend, an older sibling, etc.? Why?

My parents have always given me their support in whatever I've wanted to do and I'll always be grateful for that. They're brilliant!

5. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

I dance like a lunatic!

Kveta Peschke (KC Explorers):

1.  What are you looking forward to most about this year’s Wimbledon?

At Wimbledon, I am looking forward most to putting together lots of wins. After sunny weather and after practice, I love to lie down on the grass court and smell the grass.

 2. Once Wimbledon concludes, the 36th season of World TeamTennis kicks off on July 4th. What brings you back?

I love to play in the team format [Kveta’s KC Explores won the championship last year].  There’s always a great atmosphere. I like to come back to a team which I know and where I feel comfortable and secure.

3. What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly? Do you ever cross-train for tennis by playing another sport? How about play it just for fun?

I follow ice hockey, and I also like basketball. Although I do not follow any other sports regularly, I enjoy ice skating, roller skating, and bicycling.

4. Where’s your favorite place to travel when competing on the WTA tour?

I love the tournaments in Indian Wells and Stuttgart.

5. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

It is very hard to pick just one, but here they are: 

     Song: Over the Rainbow from Israel

     Food:  My mom’s Czech food

     Guilty pleasure: Gummy bears

     Talent: Interior design 

Lisa Raymond (Philadelphia Freedoms):

1. What are you looking forward to most about this year’s Wimbledon?

This is one of my favorite times of year- the grass court season! I love everything about Wimbledon- renting a flat, walking around in the Village at night, being at the All England Club! I have some friends coming this year as well, so it should be a fun couple of weeks!!

2. Once Wimbledon concludes, the 36th season of World TeamTennis kicks off on July 4th. What brings you back?

I love WTT, especially its fun format. I love being on a team and I especially love playing at home for the Freedoms!!

3. What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly? Do you ever cross-train for tennis by playing another sport? How about play it just for fun?

I am a HUGE football fan, especially college football and following my Gators! They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year- make that Christmas AND football season : ))

4. Where’s your favorite place to travel when competing on the WTA tour?

I love playing in NYC at The U.S. Open every year. It’s close to home, so there are lots of friendly faces there to support me. I also love Australia and also playing in San Diego. They LOVE their doubles in Australia and its standing room only sometimes for doubles matches on the outside courts. I love it!!

5. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

I am an 80's music fanatic, a diehard romantic, and cry every time I watch Titanic!

 

 

Arina Rodionova (Washington Kastles)
 

1. Why did you decide to play WTT?

This is my first season of WTT and I decided to be part of it because I’ve heard so many great things about it from other players, so I really wanted to try it!

 

2. If you had never picked up a tennis racquet, what do you think you’d be doing today? Did you have another dream job (besides tennis) growing up?

I probably would still be doing something in sports.  My dad and sister both work in sports. Maybe I’d be horse riding. 

 

3. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

Well, obviously I have a lot of hidden talents. Some are hidden so deep that I don’t even know about them yet. People should know that I am not a morning person so dear friends, please stay away from me in the mornings, I can be dangerous! :)

 

4. What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly?

I follow soccer, hockey and swimming a bit.

 

5. Where’s your favorite place to travel when competing on the WTA tour? What about that location do you like so much?

I like Australia because it’s an amazing country and I also live there. I love Portugal too…just feels like home there!

 

6. What’s a favorite anecdote about yourself that you enjoy sharing with others?

Oh that’s a tough one.  A few weeks ago in Morocco, I finished a three hour match and we had a swimming pool like 10 meters from the court, so after my opponent and I shook hand, I took my shoes off and dove into the pool. Let’s just say that my coach and the fans were a bit surprised. My only request for WTT is to have a pool next to the court…I perform so much better that way! :)

 

7. If you had to choose just one, what was the toughest match you’ve ever played? What about it was so challenging?

Once I played Jessica Moore in Italy and it took us 4-5 hours to finish...do I really have to explain that one? :)

 

8. What about tennis do you enjoy the most? How and when did you realize you wanted to commit to tennis as a career?

I have no idea why I enjoy tennis, but I really do :)... I didn’t really have a choice growing up because my dad is a tennis coach.  I started playing when I was three years-old, but I have no regrets. Cheers!

 

 

 

Yasmin Schnack (Sacramento Capitals)

 

1. What influenced your decision to join and be a part of WTT?

 

This is my first season and I can't begin to explain how excited I am! I've been to many WTT matches and I love that players can interact and get the crowd involved in the game. As a recent college grad, I miss the team atmosphere so I am looking forward to being part of a team again. 

 

2. If you had never picked up a tennis racquet, what do you think you’d be doing today?

 

My first sport was soccer so it’s possible that I may have continued playing, but due to my height, I probably would've pursued another sport such as basketball or volleyball. 

 

3. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

 

Vania King is my best friend so she pretty much knows everything about me, but as far as my other teammates, well, I am kind of an adrenaline junkie. I love roller coasters, I have my motorcycle license, and I've been skydiving. My next big thing is to go bungee jumping!

 

4. What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly? Do you ever cross-train for tennis by playing another sport? How about playing just for fun?

 

I love soccer but rarely have a chance to play in any scrimmages or games. I watch football and basketball but I don't follow them on a consistent basis. 

 

5. Where’s your favorite place to travel when for tennis? What about that location do you like so much?

 

I haven't played any WTA tournaments yet, but my favorite USTA pro circuit tournament is the 50k in Raleigh, North Carolina. Everyone is so welcoming, the facility is really nice and I just have a great time there. 

 

6. What’s a favorite anecdote about yourself that you enjoy sharing with others?

 

This is pretty funny and embarrassing, but during a match, I was walking by the net post and didn't realize there was a wire sticking out. As I walked by, my shorts got caught on the wire and next thing I know, the side of my shorts are completely torn! I didn't have anything else to wear so my mom let me borrow her shorts so I could finish the match. 

 

7. If you had to choose just one, what was the toughest match you’ve ever played? What about it was so challenging?

 

I recently played in the finals of doubles in El Paso, Texas and lost 10-8 in the third set tiebreaker. It was the toughest match because I wanted to win so badly and I was serving at 7-6. I lost both of my serve points. At 8-9, my partner was serving and I missed an easy forehand volley an inch-wide. We were so close and to lose the last point on an easy volley was pretty devastating for me. 

 

8. What about tennis do you enjoy the most? How and when did you realize you wanted to commit to tennis as a career?

 

Tennis is an extremely challenging sport not only physically, but also mentally. I really enjoy matches when you and your opponent are battling for each and every point. Not all matches are battles and it’s easy to lose focus, but when you’re fighting and using every part of the court to win the point, it’s the best feeling.  

 

CoCo Vandeweghe (Boston Lobsters):

 

1. Once Wimbledon concludes, the 36th season of World TeamTennis kicks off on July 4th. What brings you back to playing for this unique tennis organization each year? 

 

This is my third season with WTT. Each season gets better and better. From the fans, my teammates and the coaches; there is no other experience like WTT. It is great preparation for the upcoming hard court season. With such a unique format, it speeds up your thinking process. Each game matters and the momentum can swing in just one point. I also love the fact that the fans are such a part of the match.

 

2. If you had never picked up a tennis racquet, what do you think you’d be doing today? Did you have another dream job (besides tennis) growing up?

 

I would be in college, playing Basketball. Basketball was my first sport and I loved the physical aspect of it. Luckily, I am still too young to think about a real job.

 

3. What is one thing (favorite song, favorite food, guilty pleasure, hidden talent) that most people, including your fellow WTT teammates, might not know about you?

 

My pinky toes have a double joint that has a life of its own.

 

4.  What other sports teams or athletes do you follow regularly? Do you ever cross-train for tennis by playing another sport? How about play it just for fun?

 

I am a big San Diego Charger fan. Of course, with my family, I have no choice but to watch basketball; I am a big Knicks fan. They are winning the championship next year. We always play sports at home, and it is always a competition. Golf, basketball, and swimming -- someone always is there to challenge you.

 

5. Where’s your favorite place to travel when competing on the WTA tour? What about that location do you like so much?

 

It's very tough to pick a favorite place because we are privileged enough to go to all of these amazing places all over the world. Right now, it is my first time playing a full WTA season. Everything is so new and exciting. If I had to pick a top three it would be: New York, I was born there and it’s my home Grand Slam; San Diego, I was raised and live there, and I am able to have tons of friends and family come out and support me; and Roland Garros because Paris is just such an amazing city.

 

6. What’s a favorite anecdote about yourself that you enjoy sharing with others?

 

I broke both of my ankles within a week of each other doing the same dumb thing.

 

7.  If you had to choose just one, what was the toughest match you’ve ever played? What about it was so challenging?

 

One of the most challenging matches I’ve played was against Jelena Jankovic when she was number one in the world in my first round at The U.S. Open on Arthur Ashe stadium on opening night at 16.

 

8. What about tennis do you enjoy the most? How and when did you realize you wanted to commit to tennis as a career?

 

I enjoy tennis because it is such an individual sport; you have to figure everything out yourself. Unlike the other sports I have played, there is no time clock. You could be down in a match and there is always a chance to come back. The match is never over until the umpire calls game, set, match. I realized at 13 when I beat the NCAA champion that I really wanted to dedicate myself to this sport.