You have been assisting players for so many years now. Is it like taking care of a family?
It is one big family with new additions everyday. Luckily I’m not a staff of 1. I work with 10 others in my department, and we help with every stage of a player’s career. From turning pro to winning their 20th tournament, we are there to help them along the way.
What is the ATP University?
As the ATP began its role as the governing body of men's professional tennis in 1990, the Player Council recognized that the players would be assuming a greater role in the direction, image and destiny of the men's game. With this in mind the ATP University was created to provide players with a thorough knowledge of ATP operations and the skills necessary to enjoy a productive life on the circuit. It’s a three-day workshop consisting of classroom presentations by ATP staff members and experts specializing in finance, media and medicine.
You travel I think to tournaments only 2 or 3 times during the year, would you have liked to be in the tournaments around the world a little more and be able to experience different cultures?
The nature of my job really requires my presence in the office, so I’m a lucky girl to get out as often as I have. Each time I receive a call from one of our players or tournaments I’m instantly linked to the rest of the world. So you can say I travel daily without a suitcase.
The players at the ATP are coming from all parts of the world. Do you speak different languages to communicate with them or do they all speak English?
I’ve learned different terms over the years but I only speak English. Many players speak English but if I’m ever in a bind I have others in our department who are multilingual to bail me out. Luckily I have Spanish, Portuguese, French and Italian speakers at my fingertips.
Tell us a little more about yourself, your life besides the ATP, your family, your background...
I’m a native of Jacksonville, Florida and I earned my degree in communications from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida. I am an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and to relax I usually curl up with a good book or make an appointment at a day spa. My husband Thomas and I have a Shih Tzu named Coko but she spends most days at my parents’ house a few minutes away.
If you were to do it all over again, would you be a professional tenn
is player?
That’s a huge goal but I would give it some serious thought if I had the skills and talent.
Do you like to watch tennis matches?
Watching a match at night under the bright lights and stars is my favorite.
Who are your favorite male and female tennis players?
Arthur Ashe.
What was your worst experience on the Tour?
I wouldn’t call it my worst experience but it’s definitely one of my most embarrassing. A few years ago when exiting a tournament bus I somehow missed one of the steps. Let’s just say I’m not very graceful when falling down.
What are your favorite music, food, and movie?
Music would have to be R&B and ANYTHING by Prince. I love seafood although my husband is allergic, and I can watch “Carmen Jones” featuring Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte a million times. I’m also a big fan of “The Shawshank Redemption” with Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.
Have you seen the movie "Wimbledon"? If so what are your comments?
Yes, not in the theater but on cable. I must be getting old because I can’t remember what I thought of it at the time.
US Open 2007 is coming soon, what do you like or dislike about the “Big Apple” and the US Open?
The US Open will always be special to me because it was the first professional tennis tournament I ever attended. And I simply love NYC for being NYC. No visit is exactly the same because there’s always something new to see or try.
What is next for Erika?
That’s easy. I want to continue to challenge myself each day and grow as a wife, daughter, sister, friend and colleague. Maybe I’ll pick up a new hobby or skill, but in the meanwhile, I’ll strive to be the best me I can be.
Erika, ITM and I would like to thank you for doing this interview; we wish you all the best!
The pleasure was mine!! Thank you.
|
