Tennis doubles specialist Liezel Huber holds the current number one doubles ranking on the WTA tour with Lisa Raymond. Over the course of her career Huber has etched her name deeply in the history books excelling in her professional role. Huber is the distinguished title holder of being ranked number one for the second most weeks in women’s doubles history. In the next few days Huber will partner with another doubles specialist, Lisa Raymond to represent the United States at the Olympics in London.
Huber was born in Durham, South Africa and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2007. During her career Huber has won fifty-two doubles titles including five Grand Slams and three WTA Championships. In 2009 Huber successfully teamed up with Bob Bryan to win the mixed doubles at the French Open and in 2010 at the U.S. Open. Prior to partnering with Lisa Raymond in 2011 Huber won four Grand Slam titles with Cara Black from Zimbabwe.
SZ: What age did you begin playing tennis? Who introduced you to the sport and what opportunities did that person provide to open the doors to your future as a tennis pro?
LH: I probably always had a racket in my hand. My twin sister and I were 6 weeks old when my mom played her first league match again. We were next to the court! My parents both played. My grandfather and uncle were avid players. For sure it was my mom's influence that opened the doors to my career! My sister and I took our first lessons at age 5.
SZ: You left your home in South Africa at 15 to attend the Dennis Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina. How many years did you train at the Van Der Meer Academy? What training and insights did you gain during the time you lived at the Academy that help you as a professional?
LH: I trained at Van Der Meers for 4 years on and off while playing junior tournaments and pursuing my pro career in the satellite and challenger events. At Van der Meer we spent 6 hours a day on court. I needed that!
SZ: Who are/were your athletic role models? What qualities do you admire about them? Are there any of these qualities you have taken on and applied to your own life?
LH: I have a huge respect for all professional athletes. They are so dedicated, disciplined and have huge goals. That is inspiring to me. I admire the natural athlete and the self made athlete. I am the self made one, not all the talent, but worked really hard. Everything I do I try to give 100%.
SZ: Your doubles partnership with Cara Black is regarded as one of the greatest women’s doubles teams in history. When you partner with someone over a lengthy period of time how do you plan out the tournament schedule? Do you negotiate a calendar date to sit down and discuss your goals as a team technically/strategically/physically? How far in advance does the team decide these things?
LH: A partnership with another doubles player (specialist) is much simpler, than someone that plays singles too. The schedule becomes simpler when you only play doubles. You decide together. It's that simple. We don't play week after week anymore like we did when we started on the tour. Having a week off is very valuable. We know our schedule at the end of each year for the next year.
SZ: When a doubles partnership continues for an extended period of time what do teams do to keep the game and the doubles relationship fresh so both players skills grow and you remain engaged in the team process?
LH: I think what keeps a partnership fresh and keeps me as an individual motivated, is reinventing my game as I go along. Tweaking my game by adding a shot, improving my serve and adding some plays as a team.
SZ: Do you travel with a coach full-time? What are the duties of the coach?
LH: Yes, my husband coaches me. We have been married for 12 years. He has coached me on and off for most of that time! He knows me best. He can tell just by looking at me what I am feeling at that time. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. It hasn't always been easy having a dual relationship, but we have made it worked nicely.
SZ: Lisa Raymond and you are partnered to represent the United States in the 2012 Olympics in London. Depending on the draw which teams will be the biggest challenge and why? Besides playing in the event what are you looking forward to as an Olympic Athlete? If you have time to watch other events what will you go and see?
LH: We are extremely excited to represent Team USA in the Olympics! We don't look ahead in any competition and this will be no different. I love my Team USA apparel! I look forward to the opening ceremony (marching of the athletes) and meeting my fellow team mates! I love exchanging pins and try to find the very rare ones. We are there to compete, so I highly doubt we will have time to see other events except for tennis.
SZ: Are you retiring from professional touring in the next few years? What are you looking forward to during retirement that you haven’t been able to do while playing professionally?
LH: Of course retirement is nearing. You can't play professional forever! I look forward to becoming a mother, God willing. I look forward to spending time on court at Huber Tennis Ranch. We have a big program with many aspiring young players. I also look forward to taking vacations in our motor home!
SZ: What are your hopes/expectations for American women’s tennis in the next 3-5 years? Do you envision the Huber Tennis Ranch as playing a role in developing American tennis?
LH: America has a lot of strong, talented, up and coming female players. They are already shining and will continue to rise on the rankings. I hope Huber Tennis Ranch will play a role in developing players for sure! We have 15 Quick Start courts. We even have a beach volley court too!
SZ: After Hurricane Katrina in 2005 you began a charity, Liezel’s Cause, to help the families that relocated in Houston in the aftermath of the massive flooding from Katrina. You receive much praise and appreciation for your charitable involvement. How has your charitable involvement broadened your life?
LH: I am not very active right now in my charitable causes. I have a lot on my plate and think it's unfair if I can't give 100%. We still do food can drives, cereal drives, toy drives and give back to the community whenever we can. I love helping people! We teach our kids at Huber Tennis Ranch to give back.
SZ: Do you have a favorite quote or story that has guided you on your professional path?
LH: Celebrate the good and the bad times. Enjoy the good times, because there will be bad times ahead. Enjoy the bad times, because that is how we learn! I celebrate both!
SZ: Liezel thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat. July 28th tennis begins at the Olympics in London soon followed by the 2012 U.S. Open beginning August 27th in New York.
*Photo credits to Julian Finney/Getty Images (Raymond & Huber defeated Mirza & Vesnina in the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship Feb. 2012).
*Featured guests are not current nor former clients of Susan Zaro
*This article can also be read @ examiner
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