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Catching Up With ZINA GARRISON

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

PALM HARBOR - Zina Garrison, the former top-ranked junior in women's tennis who reached No. 4 in the world in 1989, recently visited Innisbrook Resort for a clinic conducted by Innisbrook Director of Tennis Greg Houck.

Garrison, who turned 44 last week, is still active with youth tennis in her native Houston, and the 1990 Wimbledon runner-up sat down with The Tampa Tribune to talk about her legacy and the state of American tennis.

What strikes you about the junior game?

Right now, especially on the women's side, I think we're in a transitional period. The kids I've seen that are coming up are playing an all-around court game, and that's what we need in this country. And the USTA has done a good job making sure kids play a least some doubles. Overall, we're getting back to fundamentals. There was a period when we basically tried to emulate what we thought the Europeans were doing.

What's the key to success on the tennis court?

Great footwork is always underestimated. A lot of times we're spending too much time on stroke production and not enough time teaching kids how to get to the ball and be properly prepared to hit it. You look at a Chris Evert - her feet were always moving. She was always in the perfect position. We need to get back to using our feet more. Why spend six hours on the court if you're not moving your feet the right way?

Did you consider yourself a cerebral player?

I definitely strategized out there, and I believe that was one of my attributes. I was always able to sum up someone's game pretty quickly. Publicly, I didn't get that much credit for being a smart player. It used to always bother me. But I use Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan as examples of that kind of thing. People talk about the physical skills of Magic and Michael, but there's also a lot of thinking going on to get to that level.

What goes through your mind when you see a pair of 16-year-old girls slugging it out endlessly from the baseline?

Why can't they look at Justine Henin, who is the No. 1 women's player in the world? Justine does everything on the tennis court. Look at Roger Federer, who does everything well. Give yourself an opportunity at a young age to excel in all parts of the game.

What impact is new equipment having on the sport?

I'm not so much concerned about the power in the game. I am worried about all the injuries. We're seeing more and more shoulder problems and wrist injuries, and I believe it has something to do with the equipment. When I was coming up, you heard more about knee and ankle problems. Now, it's the upper torso that seems to be the focus. It seems some of these kids are getting wrist injuries and sore backs almost overnight.

Tell us about competing on center court at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon is amazing. The minute you walk in, I don't care how many times you've been there, you feel you're part of history. It's the greenery and the way you can feel the energy from the crowd. Even if you lose in the first round, you feel you're part of something big. I've never been to the Masters, but I've heard it's the same kind of feeling.

What's your opinion of the Williams sisters?

I think they've been great for tennis. Sometimes, they've gotten a bum rap because they both have other interests beyond tennis. Still, they play a game they love and are still pretty much dominant. Venus is an amazing person. I can't wait until the world really understands her.

What do you remember most about playing Martina Navratilova?

The main thing that went through my mind was, why do I have to play Martina? I faced her 35 times and beat her once, at the U.S. Open. I always felt she played really well against me. I was fast, but she was just as fast, and she was stronger. Little things I could do to other players wouldn't work against her. Believe me, I tried everything. One time, I even stole her trainer. That's the only time I beat her.

What's your message to the kids?

First and foremost, if you are going to play tennis, play because you love it, not because someone else wants you to play. I'd tell the parents to let their kids have friends outside of tennis. I had girlfriends outside the sport when I was growing up, and that was important for my development. Today, it seems like it's tennis, tennis and more tennis. When you've got a situation like that, all anyone talks to your kid about is tennis. To me, getting away from the sport from time to time is a more healthy approach.

Ira Kaufman

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