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Because he competed in an era that included the man many believe was the sport's greatest player (Pete Sampras) and another who might be its most intriguing (Andre Agassi), Jim Courier sometimes gets overlooked. But by all accounts, the Dade City native ranks among the greats of his generation, if not of all time. Courier, known for being a tireless trainer, won 23 singles titles on the ATP Tour, including two Australian Open (1992-93) and two French Open (1991-92) titles, and he finished with more than $14-million in earnings. He retired in 1999 but plays often, coaches some, writes and records music, and works as a broadcaster. He has distinguished himself with his smooth voice and knowledgeable dialogue. Courier, who divides time between homes in New York and Orlando, will work the U.S. Open for the USA network. He recently kicked back with Times staff writer Keith Niebuhr.
We have something in common: I'm also an R.E.M. junkie.
I've actually got their new CD on in my house right now. It's great music to think to.
I actually like the Out of Time CD, but most people I know say that's their worst one.
How could it be bad? It's got Losing My Religion on it.
I don't think that's the problem. The problem is having Shiny Happy People on it. That song doesn't seem to fit with anything else of theirs, does it?
Shiny Happy People is exactly what the guys in the band say it is. It's a feel-good song. It's not bad, but it's a throw-away pop song. It's disposable pop. Most of their songs are so deep.
How well do you know the guys in the band?
Very well.
Okay, which of their CDs is your favorite?
Wow, let me think about that for a second. That's like asking a parent which kid is their favorite. I like all of them for different reasons. That's definitely my favorite group. I guess if I had to pick one, I'd go with Lifes Rich Pageant. It's a mood thing.
Besides tennis, besides your job, what do you most enjoy?
I love golf. That's a good way to spend four hours and leave the world behind.
What kind of player are you?
Four handicap. I shoot in the 70s most days.
Had you not gone pro, for which college would have played?
I planned on playing at SMU. The reason was that the coach (Dennis Ralston) was a former Davis Cup player who I thought could get me prepared to play on tour.
You come from a football-crazy area, so can we assume you're a fan?
No, I'm not a huge football fan, really. It's hard for me to relate to people that are that big and fast.
I realize you're a celebrity, but there has to have been someone you got excited over meeting, someone who made you feel kind of like a fan.
You really get numb to the fact you see people all the time, but one thing was really cool. I've always liked Jack Nicklaus. I had heard he was a tennis fan and was into tennis. I was dating a girl from Columbus, Ohio, that's where he's from, and I saw him when I was out having dinner one time. I saw him and he saw me, and I got up to say hello. That was cool.
Will Andy Roddick feel any more pressure at this year's U.S. Open since he enters as the defending champ? Or is that stuff overblown?
You know, it's different for everybody. I always thought it was harder to get the first (major) than the second. Andy should be fine. He handles the pressure so well.
More and more people have jumped on the Roger Federer bandwagon. I know of at least one person who thinks he's the most talented player ever. What's your take?
I've been able to see him quite a bit, and I think he's the most natural tennis player I've seen. He's very smooth.
What makes the U.S. Open unique?
It really has a different feel than the other three. It's a lot more hustle and bustle. It feels a lot more glitzy. The French Open and Wimbledon have the locations and the history, but the U.S. Open is more like Hollywood.
The night matches get a little wild, don't they?
Definitely. They're like prize fights. The fans are vocal and a lot of beer has been consumed. All of that makes it a special setting.
What's it like for a player at that first U.S. Open?
It's an unbelievable experience. I was 18 and overwhelmed. It seems like it was so many years ago. There you are, in the locker room and in the commotion. It's such a big deal.
Got a favorite Open moment?
It would have to be the (semifinal) match I played against (Jimmy) Connors in 1991. It was when Connors made the great run and I was the guy who beat him. The whole atmosphere was incredible.
Was anybody there pulling for you, or were they all for Connors?
Of course they were (going for Connors). And I was secretly rooting for him, too.