Photograph and interview by tennis enthusiast John Russo

Jackets by matchlesslondon.com

Shot on location at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California

Dominic Thiem

What do you love most about tennis?

Well, tennis is such a special sport. What I love most about the game is that I’m alone on the court. I make all of my own decisions and I can be happy with the win or the loss.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I think it would be Andre Agassi. He was part of my first memories of tennis. He played some of the first matches I watched on television.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

I think it would be Steffi Graf, because she had such a complete game, a good backhand and slice. I enjoyed watching her, as well, so I would have really loved to play her.

What is your weapon on the court?

I think all my ground strokes, forehand and backhand, and the power of them.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I want them to say they loved to watch me on the tennis court and that they always had the feeling that I gave everything out there.

Tomáš Berdych

What do you love most about tennis?

It’s the feeling after winning a match, standing on court and enjoying that moment. It’s just great!!

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I would love to play Pete Sampras. It’s very close to my generation but, unfortunately, I missed him by one year on tour. I would have loved to play him! In addition, all greatest players in the history [of tennis] for last 15 years!

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Look, my story is, when I was 13, I practiced with Martina Hingis, who was number No. 1 in the world at the time. Although I won 63 to 64, she went on to win [the] Australian Open that year.

What is your weapon on the court?

I think it’s my forehand, but overall, striking the ball fast and clean was always my strength.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

First of all, [that I was] honest. I am trying to be myself throughout my career and that is what makes your personality. So, then anyone can make an opinion on me as they see it.

Karen Khachanov

What do you love most about tennis?

The way you fight, you fight alone on the court. You try to think what’s going on and analyze it. Tennis is a really complicated sport, because you need to solve your problems by yourself. You need to always try to find a way to win. Every week you have a new opportunity, you either win or lose. I think from one hand it’s pretty tough but on the other hand, I just love to play tennis. I like the feeling of being on the court, to competing and trying to win.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I think it would be Marat Safin, because he was one of my favorite tennis players at that time and I would love to play against him. People compare me to him a little bit and it would be interesting to see where my level is against him. Also, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, of course.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Of course, Serena. She is at an unbelievable level. I would also say Chrissie Evert.

What is your weapon on the court?

I would say my serve, my forehand and my aggressive style of play.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

That I have my own character. I was a great fighter, competitor, and that people respected what I was doing on court and what I achieved in my career.

Stan Wawrinka

What do you love most about tennis?

For me, it’s to find a solution to win matches. To play in front of people, in front of the crowd, on a nice court. To have this emotion that you feel when it’s a tight match, when you get nervous and the crowd is involved.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I think Pete Sampras. He was always an amazing player to watch. I have always wanted to feel what it would have been to play against him.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Well, for sure, it’s Serena Williams. I think it would be a great challenge to play against her. She has an amazing game, she’s been playing so many years, so much experience. She has a powerful game, serving big, returning big, so it will be a nice challenge to play against her.

What is your weapon on the court?

I think my powerful game is from the baseline. I can also play really powerful from backhand and forehand. I enjoy putting a lot of pressure with my backhand, especially backhand down the line.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

Hopefully that I was a player who did everything I could to be best I could be. Winning three Grand Slams so far, Olympic, Davis Cup and beating the No. 1 player in a Grand Slam final. For me, the most important thing is to push myself to the limit.

Feliciano López

What do you love most about tennis?

The fact that you have to solve the problems yourself without any help when you play.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

Pete Sampras. He is the only legend I was not able to play.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Maybe Serena, because she has a great serve.

What is your weapon on the court?

My serve, definitely.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I wish I could have the respect from most of my colleagues and people in the tennis world.

Borna Ćorić

What do you love most about tennis?

I love all of it. I enjoy competing, working hard on the practice courts and, for sure, the best feeling is winning.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I would like to play Goran Ivanišević, I think that it would be a very interesting match for everyone.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Serena Williams. I have never played with her, but she seems like she hits the ball strongest.

What is your weapon on the court?

My weapon is my head, in my opinion. Always staying in the game and fighting, even if I’m losing. Of course, I feel like my back hand and serve can also do some damage.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

That I was nice person on and off the court.

Andreas Seppi

What do you love most about tennis?

I love the competition the most. I also love the adrenaline you feel when you go on court to compete against another player. As I’m getting older, I enjoy competing against the next generation of ATP players.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I would like to play Pete Sampras, because I watched him many times on TV when I was a kid and because he was one of the best in tennis.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Serena Williams, of course. Because her game is very powerful for women’s tennis.

What is your weapon on the court?

I don’t think I have a really big weapon (like a big serve or forehand or whatever). However, I was always a pretty solid guy from the baseline who tried to take the ball early on the rise and play aggressive.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

Not sure what people will have to say about me in 50 years.

Bob Bryan

What do you love most about tennis?

Having a purpose every day, working hard to reach a goal.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I had a chance to play against my idol, Andre Agassi, and it was a lot of fun. I would love to have another shot at him.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

I think Martina Navratilova, just because of her lefty serve, her attacking style and her amazing volleys. She took time away from her opponents.

What is your weapon on the court?

My strongest weapon is my serve and my forehand. And then, the X-factor weapon between my brother and I is our communication.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I’d love them to say they had fun watching us play, that we loved the game and we gave back to the fans and, hopefully, made doubles stronger.

Felix Auger-Aliassime

What do you love most about tennis?

I love the competition. Getting out there and playing in front of a lot of people, that’s what I play for. I think the competition in front of the fans is the best thing.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

Yannick Noah. He’s a great legend. I had a chance to meet him at a special moment in his career.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Serena Williams. She’s the closest to beating the guys, so I think she’d be very challenging.

What is your weapon on the court?

I would say, my serve. I’m getting to a point where my serve is a good weapon for me. I can win some points even when I’m not playing well.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

Hopefully, I’ve won many titles, maybe grand slams. But mostly that I was always a good competitor and that I was a good person outside of the court. It’s also very important for me that I was a good example for the generation to come.

Denis Kudla

What do you most love about tennis?

Tennis is definitely a sport that exposes everything. There’s nowhere to hide. It really makes you become a problem solver. The individual aspect, knowing that everything that happens falls on you, the glory and the failure. It’s definitely one of the most mentally tough sports in the world.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I would love to play Andre Agassi. He was awesome and I would just love to see that timing. I never got the opportunity to hit with him or meet him, so Agassi for sure.

Of all of the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play and why?

I would like to play Serena, because I think she is the greatest of all time and I would love to see how that goes.

What is your weapon on the court?

My backhand down a line is definitely my signature shot.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I want them to say I was a hard worker and a great competitor. I really admire and idolize David Ferrer. The way people respect him since he has retired is something that I would like as well.

Frances Tiafoe

What do you love most about tennis?

One-on-one competition. Obviously, I’m a singles guy. The problem solving, the adapting constantly to your opponent and pretty much just trying to out-think your opponent.

If you could go back in time and play a against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

Yannick Noah. I thought he was a legend, with the dreads and everything like that. He looked sick, obviously, for me. I have to be honest, he’s a big inspiration, as well as Andre Agassi.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

I have to go with Steffi Graf. Everything she did. She won every single match, every tournament possible and all the majors. And Serena. That goes without saying.

What is your weapon on the court?

Forehand and movement. I’ve been moving well and finding my forehand. I’m playing some good tennis.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

That I was a hell of a competitor.

Taylor Fritz

What do you love most about tennis?

What I love most about tennis is the one-on-one competitive aspect of it. I like the feeling of winning and competing against somebody.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I’d want to play either Andre Agassi or Pete Sampras, because they’re both U.S. legends and two of my favorite players.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Probably Serena. Definitely Serena. Just because she has the most power and she’s also the greatest of all time.

What’s your weapon on court?

My serve, my forehand and sometimes my backhand. Every shot. I try to make every shot a weapon for me.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I’d like to be known for being good under pressure and being clutch.

Gilles Simon

What do you love most about tennis?

In each game, you have a different type of player, a different type of game, everyone shows different skills and different personalities on the court.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I would like to play any of the older top players. Just to see what it was like to play back then.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

I would say Serena, because she’s just the best player.

What is your weapon on the court?

I don’t have enough. I try my best every time.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

That I was playing a different style game than the other players.

Marco Cecchinato

What do you love most about tennis?

I love how the game has impacted my life. The best moment was my semi-final at Roland-Garros. This made me quite famous in Italy and now everyone knows my name. This is one of the many things I love about the game.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the fame, who would it be?

Marat Safin, because he was very talented and was beautiful to watch play.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Justine Henin, because she has an unbelievable backhand.

What is your weapon on the court?

My forehand.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I would like them to remember me being a nice guy on and off the court.

Lucas Pouille

What do you love most about tennis?

That every week you have a chance to be better.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

It would be Yannick Noah and I will play only on his forehand.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

I would say Amélie Mauresmo, because of her game. I think she plays different than the other girls and she mixes it up a lot. It would be interesting.

What is your weapon on the court?

I would say my forehand.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

That I’m the last French to win a Grand Slam.

Mike Bryan

What do you love most about tennis?

The fact that tennis is extremely challenging and constantly makes you work to balance your mental skills, physical strength, flexibility, strategy and stroke production to achieve success. When you have a weakness in one of those categories, you have a much harder time winning matches. I enjoy the daily process of trying to improve and become the most well-rounded player and person I can be.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I would love to have competed against some of the great Aussie legends, like Rod Laver or Ken Rosewall. The way they both played the game was beautiful and pure. Their strokes were efficient and silky smooth but the power they could generate with wood rackets was amazing.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Serena Williams would be the toughest to play, because of her serve. She has pinpoint accuracy but can deliver a lot of heat on it too. She backs that up with powerful athletic movement and punishing ground strokes. Her intense competitive nature would also make her a very feisty opponent.

What is your weapon on the court?

My consistent and quick hands at net. As young kids, Bob and I did hours and hours of volley drills to sharpen our reflexes. I was also lucky enough to grow up returning my brother’s huge serve everyday, which made my return very solid.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I would love for people to say that Bob and I helped popularize doubles and that we stood out as one of the greatest teams that have ever played the game. Also, I’d like to be remembered as a tennis player who played with passion, energy and love. Lastly, Bob and I have stayed together as a team through thick and thin. That is hard to find in today’s world of always trying to find the next best thing or just moving on to another partner when things get tough. Hopefully the messages of commitment, togetherness and longevity can be seen as themes that prevailed even long after we’re done playing.

Matteo Berrettini

What do you love most about tennis?

I love the fact that every week I get a new chance. Tennis gives you lots of possibilities. And I love the rivalries between players. They are sincere, unique and always respectful.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

John McEnroe. I like to play for the crowd, to entertain spectators, and John had a particular kind of tennis and there was always something going on in his matches. He always brought something different and entertaining to the court.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

I think Serena. She serves well and she plays aggressive.

What is your weapon on the court?

My serve and my forehand. Between the two, I don’t know which I would pick.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I want people to look back on a real performer, on someone who always tried to improve himself and was never laid-back satisfied after achievements.

Nikoloz Basilashvili

What do you love most about tennis?

I think that the most interesting part is traveling. Traveling, in some ways it’s good, in some ways, it’s difficult. Also, competing against oneself. Tennis is an individual sport and being able to compete against yourself, and not depending on somebody else. Oh, and lastly, being able to play every week, I have new opportunities to succeed. So, because of all this, I really like tennis.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I think I would play Marat Safin, one of my favorite players. I think he was unbelievably talented.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

I would play Anna Kournikova. I would play her, for sure.

What is your weapon on the court?

My forehand and backhand. I like them both. I really like to play from the baseline. That’s my strongest weapon, for sure.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I don’t know. I never thought about it. I try to be a very simple person, you know, on court and off court. And so, if somebody would say that, “He was a nice guy, or a nice player,” I think that would be good.

Mischa Zverev

What do you love most about tennis?

What I love, it’s hard to say. It’s something that’s just part of my life, it’s part of who I am. It’s a one-of-a-kind sport. I like the atmosphere, traveling to different cities every week and being around many different types of players. Each week, you have an opportunity to improve and do something different.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

Growing up, Andre Agassi was my favorite player, as well as Pete Sampras. I really enjoyed watching them. I would actually pick a wooden racquet and play against them.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

I would say either Steffi Graf or Serena Williams. Obviously, Serena, because she has a big game and she can serve big. She has good ground strokes. And I have always felt inspired by Steffi. You know, she had this determination, great backhand slice and I feel like she was an incredible fighter, very disciplined on the court.

What’s your weapon on court?

It depends on the surface, but normally it’s my serve and volley game. That and the fact that I’m a little unpredictable. I try to not give the opponent any rhythm, so I think that’s it.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

Nice volleys.

Pablo Carreño Busta

What do you love most about tennis?

What I love most is the competition, the atmosphere that we live during the tournaments and the adrenaline before the game

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

My idol when I was young was Juan Carlos Ferrero. When he retired I was starting to play, so I never had the opportunity to play against him.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Probably the most challenging to play would be Serena Williams. She is the best player of my time and probably the best player ever.

What is your weapon on the court?

My forehand is my best shot, but maybe my best weapon on court is my mentality.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I would like to be remembered as a good person and as a player who has given everything for tennis.

Grigor Dimitrov

What do you love most about tennis?

The competition. I love the day-to-day challenge that it offers and the obstacles that you need to overcome. Also, looking within yourself, finding which battles you want to fight and which battles you’ve got to leave. For me, it’s one of the most complex sports out there.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

I would definitely want to play Björn Borg and John McEnroe. The two are complete opposites, but they would be so much to learn from them. Each has a completely different game. I mean, every time they played against each other, you could always see the differences, but you could also learn.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

Steffi Graf, the way she possesses pretty much everything. But that slice, I think, would rattle you a little bit. And her movement to explore the court and hit that forehand!

What is your weapon on the court?

I don’t know. I would like to say it’s some of the shots, but I think it’s also how you use your body, your movement and agility on the court. To chase different balls, to make the right decisions. I want to say my body is my biggest asset because when we get out on the court, even though the game is a lot of mental, you have to use your physicality.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

I definitely want to make sure that I left a mark on the sport. Not from the record stand point…that’s not my goal. This has always been one of my main things… I really want people to see [that] athletes [are] like everybody else. You know, we just happen to be good at what we do, [but] we all also have to deal with our problems outside the court. I have demons, expectations, and so on. I would say, for sure, I would also like to be remembered by my good results and as a Grand Slam champion.

Diego Schwartzman

What do you love most about tennis?

The competition. When I’m playing cards, when I’m playing PlayStation, when I’m playing everything, I love the competition.

If you could go back in time and play against someone who has retired from the game, who would it be?

Wow, this is a difficult question. I’d choose Roger Federer, because you never know when his last tournament will be. And Andy Murray, because we don’t know if he’ll play again.

Of all the top women’s players, past and present, who do you think would be the most challenging to play?

The Williams sisters. Both, because they are really, really strong.

What is your weapon on the court?

My legs and my movement.

In 50 years, when people look back on your career, what do you hope they’ll remember about you?

[They liked] my smile on the court and how happy I was playing and how people enjoyed seeing me.