TL;DR: Eric Butorac, US Open player relations director, hosts revealing Reddit AMA
Andy Murray needed a swimming pool, Rafael Nadal shakes everyone's hand, and Adrian Mannarino's the man.
On Wednesday, former doubles standout Eric Butorac—now Director of Pro Tennis Operations and Player Relations for the USTA—kept Redditors rapt with an engaging rally via the popular forum's "AMA"—Ask Me Anything. Persons of interest in all walks of life regularly hop onto Reddit for AMAs, a conversation that invites questions, and answers, of all sorts.
Butorac may not be well known to the casual sports fan, but for those who frequent r/tennis, he's a known quantity. The 42-year-old Minnesota native played college ball before a successful 13-year career that saw him win 18 ATP doubles titles, reach a career-high No. 17 rank, and finish runner-up at the 2014 Australian Open (with partner Raven Klaasen).
But like I said, diehard tennis fans know that. Here's some of what they didn't know, and what Butorac told them in response:
Most upvoted question: What's the most interesting request you get from players?
"One time Andy Murray needed a swimming pool with a lot of depth for some sort of special workouts. Once Zverev needed a sentimental necklace fixed, one time Roger wanted to hit in Central Park!"
On the non-uniform tennis ball issue:
"As a former player, this is a huge issue for quality of play and injuries. I hope it gets to a better place."
How doubles can become more popular:
"We need more stars to play. When they play (Laver Cup, Indian Wells, etc) the product is awesome."
Most pleasant player to work with?
"Honestly, everyone is really good. Rafa will often do things like shake the hands of all of the folks working at the practice desk on the way out. Little things like that go so far with staff..."
Favorite doubles partner?
"Can't pick one - [but Jean-Julien] Rojer is the best competitor I've ever met. I'd go into battle with him any day."
What does your day to day look like?
"During the Open:
- 8am - get to site - breakfast (I'll eat all meals on-site for 24 days)
- 815-10 - morning team meetings
- 10-12 - meetings with players or tour staff, scheduling, etc
- 12-5/6 - whatever the moment brings - usually running from fire to fire or sometimes planning special moments (maybe a retirement ceremony)
- 5-7 - often hosting VIPs or folks arriving for the evening session.
- 7-8 time for a workout or catchup on emails
- 9pm dinner
- 12/1am - leave the site after the last point has been played and both players are good for the night."
Who's the worst, most self-entitled player to deal with? It's Mannarino, isn't it?
"Mannarino is low maintenance. (And also the best singles win of my career!!!)"
On his journey from NCAA Division III tennis (Gustavus Adolphus) to the pros:
My good friend convinced me to move to France after I won NCAAs. I thought I'd last 3 months [playing tournaments] and then be a teacher. Ended up lasting 13 years.
For the entire AMA, click here.