The former world No 1 tells Desmond Kane he has always loved to test himself "I don't have that much mental energy, so I have to kind of guard it with my life. It is very dangerous to have your self-worth riding on your results as an athlete." Not the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, but those of Jim Courier. A literary moment once touched this unconventional figure during a match in Germany when he could be found poring over the Armistead Maupin novel "Maybe the Moon". As he tried to divert his mind from an impending defeat and a bout of streaky form, he sought inspiration from prose.
Jimmy Connors, a player, who like Courier, was overflowing with passing shots, was thought to have studied a letter from home during a match, but never snuck a book in with his rackets. In his prime, he was more a work of art, than one of fiction. Poetry in motion, almost certainly. However history judges him, one cannot say Courier was one-dimensional. The self-belief that led to four major titles tended to out itself from within, with the velocity of his baseline bullets tearing down some revered rivals.
America gave the world John McEnroe and Connors in the 1970s and 1980s, while in the 1990s, we could all gorge on the jousts between Sampras, Andre Agassi and Courier. Andy Roddick, with his world-record serve, seemed likely to continue the tradition, but has failed to build on snagging the US Open in 2003. James Blake and Mardy Fish throw down some huge aces, but US tennis, despite their downing of Russia to win the Davis Cup last year, is not in the midst of a golden era.
"Roddick is a threat, but tennis in America is in transition with the federation trying to help younger players come to the top," admits Courier. "The best US players have been in the game for some time now, so it's about time for a new generation to take over." Courier now competes in events against some notable faces from yesteryear. He is playing in Dubai next month against opponents whose legs may be creaking over five sets, but will be up to it over one or two.
"I love to compete, and play the best players so when you add that up, it's pretty easy to see why playing Masters tennis is something that excites me," he said. "Playing against the great champions is something I thrive on." Courier remains a favoured television commentator in the US and Australia. In punditry, his wit is regarded as less acerbic than McEnroe, another willing veteran who from time to time also likes the cut and thrust of the Masters scene.
Courier announced his retirement from the main tour in 2000 at the age of 30, a quickish age to depart. At 38, he appears to be untainted by the passing of years, with his thatch of ginger hair continuing to be perched under the baseball hat. His gun-slinging, inimitable forehand maintains sting. In the early part of a rollicking 12-year career, Courier generally found himself in rude health. Apart from the baubles that drip from his career, he taught himself French, and learned to play musical instruments. He plays tennis right-handed, but a guitar as a left-hander. In winning over 20 singles titles, he made quite a din.
Courier once commented that "life's too interesting to limit yourself to tennis". He stored away all of his four major titles by the age of 23. The next seven years brought some joyous moments, but no more slams. Unlike Sampras, Agassi retired in the knowledge that he had conquered every surface in the majors. Courier almost got there, but suffered final losses at the US Open to Edberg in 1991, and on American Independence day to Sampras at Wimbledon in 1993.
Unsurprisingly, he is philosophical. "As a player there are many ups and downs throughout your career, but the champions mind does not allow for weakness," he said. "It's only in hindsight that you can see clearly when you start to decline, which all players eventually do." Courier sees Federer closing on 17 majors, and claims the elusive French Open is not beyond him. Roger Federer will return to competition at the Madrid Masters this week for the first time since winning his 13th major at the US Open last month that left him one behind Sampras's record haul.
"I think he can win the French. The only player that has beaten him recently at the French is Nadal, which is a tough match up on clay for him. He may have to make some adjustments on that surface to beat Rafa," said Courier. "This year Roger has not been 100 per cent fit at any time. It is truly remarkable that he won the US Open, reached finals of French and Wimbledon and the semis of Australia given the virus he was dealing with. Hopefully, he will be 100 per cent healthy for 2009."
Courier, who was nicknamed "The Rock", was noted for high levels of endurance that would tend to see him outlive opponents in long rallies, especially on clay. Nadal represents and embodies a new regime of muscly athleticism in tennis. "Nadal's physical condition is only one of his great assets," Courier differs. "He moves well, has a great mind on the court and has very few weaknesses. I am very impressed with him in all areas. He is a great champion."
As it could be said was Courier. Maupin's novel was about a dwarfish figure who seeks appreciation as an actor in Hollywood, but the ambidextrous Courier continues to be listened to. He also remains a player, pundit and philosopher. @Email:dkane@thenational.ae
