Off the court
Ask Lleyton a Question

Following are answers to questions sent to Lleyton through the fan mail section of this website.

From Chris:

I was just wondering what are your favorite movies (besides Rocky ones)and actors? I know your a big Jimmy Barnes fan, What is your favorite Jimmy Barnes song/album?

I’m a big fan of all the Ocean 11 movies, I think George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon are great in them. Also I love the Gladiator. Russell Crowe is one of my favourite actors and I think he plays this role amazingly. Recently I enjoyed watching American Gangster with Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington, I thought they worked brilliantly together.
Yeah, I love Jimmy Barnes’ music. One of my all time favourites is No Second Prize. The words in this song are very motivational.

From Urmi:

I have just received your dvd, and must I say it is fantastic! I love it! In one of the scenes, there was bowling. I was wondering if you still bowl with all of the same people.

We still try to go ten pin bowling when I’m back in Adelaide, and it’s still very competitive!

From Rob:

Has your personality managed to stay the same through all your success on court?

Throughout the years I think my personality has really stayed the same. Obviously alot of things around you change but I’ve always had a great group of friends and family there, who have always stuck by me.

From Sarah:

I play a lot of sport, predominantly netball, but i am not all that fit, i was wondering, what do you do to keep a constant fitness level?

I think a good way to keep a good standard of general fitness is by doing a little bit of cardio fitness 5 days a week. You can mix this up by either jumping on the treadmill, bike or stepper. Or if you prefer to be outside just go for a casual jog.

From Matt:

What would have you done for a living if you weren't good at sports? 

I’m not really sure what I would have done apart from trying to play competitive sport. That is where my passion is and if I had to choose something else it probably would have still had something to do with sport. Perhaps, something to do with the AFL.

If there is question you would like to ask Lleyton then please do so through the Fan Mail area of the Contacts section.

 

Some things you may or may not know about Lleyton.

What is you Nickname and why?

Rusty. Darren Cahill when he coached me called my family the Griswalds, after the National Lampoon movies series starring Chevy Chase. The boy in the Griswald family was called Rusty and it has stuck!

Who is your most admired sportsman in the world outside of tennis?

There are actually two sportspeople I admire. Firstly Tiger Woods for the way he has dominated his sport, handles himself on the course, in business and his private life. The other person is Tyson Edwards, who plays Australian Rules football for the Adelaide Crows. Tyson is a very down to earth, level headed guy who has worked hard to be, I think, the most under rated best player in the Australian Football League.

Does Mia have godparents and if so who are they?

Yes Mia does have god parents, and they are Mandy and Tyson Edwards who live in Adelaide. Tyson is a midfielder with the Adelaide Crows and wears number 9. Mandy and Tyson have 3 boys, Jackson, Luke and Brodie that love spending time with Mia, who adores them.

Do you still stay in touch with people you went to school with?

Yes some of my best mates are those who I went to school with. The best man at my wedding was my old school friend Hayden Eckermann. Hayden also traveled with me over a couple of years and we stay close and in constant contact.
I actually conduct a footy tipping competition for some of the Australian tennis guys and I always invite my old school mates to join in the fun.

A lot of tennis players play golf, do you and what is your handicap?

I really enjoy a game of golf, but unfortunately do not get to play as often as I would like. I have been lucky enough to play with some top Australian players including Greg Norman, Aaron Baddley and former tennis player Scott Draper. My handicap currently is around 8, but I look forward to one day improving on that when I have more time to play.

If there is question you would like to ask Lleyton then please do so through the Fan Mail area of the Contacts section.