The Biofile: Gilad Bloom
Status: Former ATP pro from 1986-1998. Member of Israel’s Davis Cup team from 1986-1995. Winner of four ATP doubles titles. Reached a career-high singles ranking of 61st in 1990. Holds career wins over Petr Korda, Brad Gilbert, Carlos Costa, Jacob Hlasek, Marcelo Rios and Martin Jaite. Currently coaches at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at Sportime Randall’s Island in New York City.
Date of birth: March 1, 1967 in Tel Aviv, Israel
Height: 5-ft. 8-in. Weight: 160 lbs.
First tennis memory: Playing on the wall at my parent’s house in Israel with my brothers, I was seven- or eight-years-old. I only started playing real tennis at the age of nine.
Tennis inspiration: Since I started playing, I always wanted to be a pro on the tour, play Davis Cup and all the majors.
Current car: Volkswagen Jetta Diesel.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate swirl.
Greatest sports moment: In 1994, I played in the Davis Cup for Israel against Switzerland. They reached the finals the year before and had Jacob Hlasek and Marc Rosset on their team. I played Hlasek in the deciding match at 2-2 in the tie. I won in straight sets and never lost my serve once in front of a crazy home crowd. The fans carried Amos Mansdorf and me to the locker rooms on their shoulders. It was like a soccer game atmosphere. I didn’t have to pay for a meal or a drink in Israel for weeks after that match. Hlasek was ranked 100 spots above me at that time and with the win, Israel qualified for the World Group.
Most painful moment: In 1986, I was 19-years-old and ranked about 160th. I played Brad Gilbert, who was number six in the world. We played in the quarterfinals of my hometown event in Tel Aviv. I was serving for the match at 5-4 in the third and two points away from victory, and I lost the match. Gilbert went on and won the tournament easily. I couldn’t sleep for months. With a win, I could have been in the top 100 in one leap and probably win the tournament. It was a huge disappointment.
Favorite tournament: Australian Open. The people are so nice down under, and the tournament organizers were very easy to deal with, friendly and they give away plenty of tickets. I have lots of family in Australia.
Last book read: Life, the autobiography of Keith Richards.
Funniest players encountered: In my time on the Tour, Mansour Bahrami was pretty funny and entertaining, and Karsten Braasch, the German, was hilarious too.
Closest tennis friends: I still keep in touch with many players from my time, including Bruno Oresar from Croatia and Pablo Arraya from Peru, among others, who are my closest friends. I work closely with John McEnroe on a daily basis, so I see him a lot as well.
The best you ever felt on court: In Manchester, England in 1991, I played Brad Gilbert who was still ranked in the top 15 in the world. From 2-2 in the first set, I won 10 games in a row, broke Gilbert five times in a row and played perfect tennis for those 10 games. I hit many winners and spectacular shots, including diving winners, etc. Brad kept looking at me and shaking his head … he didn’t say hello to me for about a year after that match. Prior to that match, he beat me three times.
Why do you love playing tennis: It’s a passion. The feeling of hitting a clean ball or hitting a winner or playing a good match is something to look forward to every time you step on the court.
Favorite players to watch: Growing up, I loved watching John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors play … I love lefties. I liked Ilie Nastase as well. In the new era, I like to watch Roger Federer, Tomas Berdych, Andy Murray and Dudi Sela, my first student. I used to love watching Fabrice Santoro, and I love watching the Rochus Brothers play, being a short guy myself.
Personality qualities most admired: Mental strength, sportsmanship, being cool under pressure and bringing your best tennis to the big matches.
