Aggression is Lewis’ strong suit

HAYDN LEWIS: Barbados’ No. 2 likes to dominate from the get-go. (Kenmore Bynoe)

Thu, February 09, 2012 - 12:01 AM

HAYDN LEWIS Barbados’ former No. 1 is an extraordinarily gifted all court player.

Lewis uses his incredible serve and powerful forehand to dominate his opponents, finishing off many of his points at the net with his stellar volleys.

His opponents are inevitably on the defensive from the word “go” and gaining the upper hand against him is always an uphill battle.

His peak level of performance is truly mind-blowing and when he is at his best, Lewis’ aggressive play is a lethal weapon against any opponent.

Age: 26

Left-handed player, two-handed backhand.

Highest singles rank: 583

Current singles rank: 808

Highest doubles rank: 405

Current doubles rank: 500

Parents: Lester Lewis and Jackie Lewis

Siblings: Kodi Lewis, 31.

Schools: St Winifred’s, The St Michael School

Years playing tennis: 16

Grass or clay: Grass

Hobbies: surfing, partying

Role model: My dad

Favourite tennis player: Pete Sampras, Marat Safin.

Favourite music: reggae

Favourite artist: Richie Spice

Favourite foods: Fish cutter from Cuz’s bar at Pebbles.

Favourite restaurant: Paulo’s Churrasco Do Brazil.

Favourite TV show: Top Gear.

Favourite Tennis Brand: Babolat

Worst tennis experience: Losing to Puerto Rico in a Group III match in Honduras in 2009. If we had won that match, we would have been promoted to Group II.

Best tennis experience: We got to the semi-finals in the Pan American Games in 2010, and although we lost to Ecuador it was one of my most memorable experiences.

Goals for this year: To be ranked in the top 350 players so that I can get a chance to play in US Open qualifying – if not this year, then definitely next year.