Q&A #7 with former WTA Top 10 Brenda Schultz-McCarthy
Brenda Schultz-McCarthy was a WTA top 10 singles and doubles player from The Netherlands. She was known for her big serve and for numerous years had the fastest serve in the female game. She got to 16 tour finals, winning 7 as well as getting to the doubles final in both the French Open and US Open. Her career involved over 1000 singles and doubles matches with a 57% winning record in both singles and doubles.
What age did you start playing tennis at?
7
Did any of your parents play tennis?
Yes
What was your highest ITF world ranking (under 18)?
At that time there was no ITF ranking yet but I played Wimbledon juniors finals, French open quarters.
What tennis academy did you train at as a junior?
Back then it was the Adidas school in Amsterdam
Did you go to University?
No
What age did you decide to go pro?
16, it was in 1986!
What was your highest WTA ranking?
9 singles and 7 doubles
If you weren't a pro what do you think you would be doing?
Probably teaching tennis and giving ski lessons in winter
Are you a Km/h or Mp/h person?
Mp/h
Whats your biggest weapon on court?
Serve
Whats your faster ever serve?
130 mp/h
Do you like flying?
No
Your flying class?
When I was top 10 it was business, now I go back in the bus ,haha!! No now its economy with the kids, and now I rather spend the money on shopping.
What clothing company are you sponsored by?
I was sponsored by Lotto and Fila
What rackets do you use?
Now Babolat pure storm, and when I was playing Yoney titanium 400
Is the racket personalised for you? Do you know the weight?
Yes the weight is 360 grams (wow thats heavy)
What strings do you use?
Solinco tourbite 17 gauge
What tension are your strings?
51 pounds
How many rackets do you carry in your bag for a match?
With a match I used to carry 5, now 1 or 2
Whats grips do you use?
Yonex
Are you a sweatband person?
Yes
Did you ever use a tournament towel as a gift!?
Yeah of course!
Do you have a prematch song you like to play to get you in the zone?
R Kelly i am the worlds greatest
Whats the one match that you played that you remember the best?
Who was your childhood tennis hero?
Boris Becker
Do you prefer Running/Biking/Love Both or Hate Both?
Prefer Skating
Are you good at jokes? Tell us one!
I am not good at making jokes but I like jokes!!
A big thanks to Brenda for taking our Q&A. We must also thank her niece and ex-pro Jainy Scheepens (above) who put us in touch with her aunt Brenda. We've had a few Jainy vids on our Instagram. Check her out on the grass below:
*Main image is copyright of ATP Tour
Leave a comment