Home/Tennis

via Reuters

via Reuters

The Cincinnati Masters is up for grabs and some of the best players in the world will battle it out to win the title. A win here at the title will also mean confidence going ahead into the US Open which is about to start in a couple of weeks. Talking about the Cincinnati Masters, the home favorites have not been able to live up to the expectations except for one guy, J.J. Wolf. The Ohio native has made his way all the way to the first round where he’ll be facing Alex de Minaur of Australia. While reflecting on his upcoming match, he also gave a glimpse of his early childhood.

The American international revealed how his grandfather used to take him to watch tennis matches and stuff. He also shed light on how he feels coming here to play.

J.J. Wolf reflects on his childhood and experience coming to the Cincinnati Masters

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Cincinnati Masters carries a twofold significance for J.J. Wolf – it’s both a tribute to his childhood dreams and a platform for his current ambitions. Fond memories of his grandfather’s tradition, where they watched matches and savored Graeter’s ice cream, have become a part of his tennis narrative. Those carefree days in the stands now interlace with his present as he readies himself for his third main draw appearance.

“My grandpa, one day each tournament, every year, would take all of the cousins to go watch the matches,” Wolf said. “So it would be however many, 20 of us, or whoever was in town, and we would get to go and walk around for the whole day. We’d get Graeter’s ice cream in between matches, and it was just a treat.”

“It feels like the first time every time I walk in here. It’s almost surreal,” Wolf said. “I’ve always wanted to be kind of given this opportunity and to know that I’ve worked for it and earned it, it’s a great feeling.”

Stepping onto the court to face off against Alex de Minaur, Wolf bridges the gap between past and present. The transition from a wide-eyed spectator to a competitor on the same hallowed ground fuels his motivation. However, he is not the only person in his family to be a great tennis player.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Also read: All You Need to Know About American Rising Star J.J. Wolf’s Unfortunate Hernia Surgery

Wolf’s father was also a renowned tennis player

J. J. Wolf’s father Jeff Wolf was also a renowned tennis player. He also received a Hall of Fame from Rollins College in Florida. This could well be another reason why this tournament holds a special place in the heart of the 24-year-old American player. Not only his father but his mother was also a tennis player.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Thus, as the tournament is about to commence, all the players get ready. J.J. Wolf would be looking to continue the legacy set by his father and perform brilliantly at the Cincinnati Masters. Also, with US Open on the line, he would be willing to give his best to prepare himself for the matches at Flushing Meadows.

Watch this story: Roger Federer Fanboy and Budding Tennis Star Speaks Up About Serena Williams