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Thursday, February 8
 
Chat wrap: Jan-Michael Gambill

On Tuesday, U.S. tennis star Jan-Michael Gambill made a special visit to chat to talk about Davis Cup action.

Gambill, 23, finished 2000 as the No. 4 American behind Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Michael Chang. A quarterfinalist at Wimbledon last year, he has a career record of 94-84, including a first-round exit from the Australian Open in January.

Gambill will be making his fourth appearance representing the United States in the Davis Cup and holds a 1-3 Davis Cup record in singles. The Spokane, Wash., native made his Davis Cup debut in 1998, going 1-1 against Italy.

The United States will face Switzerland in the opening round of the Davis Cup on Feb. 9-11 in Basel, Switzerland. Davis Cup is the longest-running, annual international team competition in the world. With 31 titles, the United States has won more Davis Cup titles than any other nation.

Gambill turned pro in 1995, and he finished 2000 ranked 33rd in the world. He reached the singles final in Los Angeles last year, where he was forced to retire against Chang due to an injury.

For a list of upcoming ESPN.com chat guests, visit the Community section.

CHAT


Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:29pm ET
Thanks for having me on. It's good to be here. We're pretty excited about being here and are looking forward to Friday.
Steve Summers from [207.30.134.113], at 3:30pm ET
Jan-Michael, with tennis usually being such a solitary sport, and players essentially playing for themselves 95% of the time, how would you compare the pressures of playing, say, in a Wimbledon quarterfinal match, to the pressure of playing in a Davis Cup match when you know that five or six guys are sitting there counting on you? Does having your teammates around help or hurt? Does it change the way you prepare? Thanks and best of luck!
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:31pm ET
Thanks. You do have guys depending on you and also in Davis Cup you're playing for your country, which adds to the pressure. I look at that and the pressure at Wimbledon is definitely different.
Gill from [194.128.172.5], at 3:31pm ET
Do you think that it's only American players who want the format of Davis Cup changed ?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:32pm ET
That's a very good question. I haven't spoken too much to the foreign players about the format. I'm fine with it. The schedule is tough because you have to play a lot of other matches and then come into the ties and sometimes that's when you get injured.
Shane Bean from [216.248.170.147], at 3:32pm ET
How do you feel about Agassi and Sampras saying their Davis Cup days are probably behind them?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:34pm ET
It's unfortunate. The two guys have been unbelievable for American tennis. It would be great if they committed themselves to DC tennis. They have their own reasons for not playing. It's always been very special for me to represent my country and any chance I'll get I'm going to be there for the team.
tom from [209.191.69.9], at 3:34pm ET
being that patrick is choosing many up and coming young players, do you feel the bryan brothers should also be included in that group?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:35pm ET
They are two of my best friends on the tour and are up and coming players. But there can only be six players on the team. I think the other young players on the team have proved that they deserve to be on the team. You need to look at the future, with Andre and Pete not being on the team, you need to start early planning for future wins.
Heather from [204.212.228.163], at 3:36pm ET
Do you miss Spokane, I mean being so far away all the time?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:37pm ET
I definitely miss home quite a bit. The saying home is where the heart is, is true to me. I get home enough that it's restful, but I'd like to have a little more time if I could. I enjoy my sport a lot.
Leslie from [206.152.10.24], at 3:37pm ET
HI Jan-Michael-
How do you think patrick is going to do as the captain for the U.S. Davis Cup team while once again following in his older brother's footsteps?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:39pm ET
He's following in his footsteps only because he's the captain after him. I enjoyed being under John McEnroe because he was one of the people I looked up to growing up. Patrick has been very easy to work with. His knowledge of the game is as good as anybody's. He's a friend to us out here, which is very important. The Davis Cup coach has to be a diplomat as well as an ambassador for the country and he exemplifies both things. I hope that he's our coach for year's to come because he's a good one.
Patrick from [162.39.156.202], at 3:39pm ET
Jan-Michael,
Thanks for putting it all out there for our great country. What do you think of your teammate Andy Roddick's ability and his future. Thanks again and good luck.
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:40pm ET
I think he has an excellent game. He has a great serve, great groundstrokes and his volley game is already improving. He is definitely one of the future players for the U.S. and will climb in the rankings quickly. He's a very good player.
Craig Friedman from [63.252.51.46], at 3:41pm ET
Who was your idle as a kid?

Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:43pm ET
I had a lot of different idols growing up. My parents as I was growing up. My dad always helped me out and my mom supported me. My favorite figure is Reba McEntire because she started out struggling in her life, persisted and stays true to her roots. She's a friend to her fans and is close to her family. In tennis, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and Jim Courier for his extreme great work ethic.
Susie from [63.196.225.159], at 3:43pm ET
Jan-Michael, besides Davis Cup, what tournaments are you looking foward to in the next month? Good luck at Davis Cup!
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:45pm ET
I'm looking forward to the American Tour that's coming up Memphis, San Jose, Del Rey Beach, Fla., Indian Wells, Calif. and Miami Beach. All five events are my favorites of the year and it's going to be a great tour.
L. Jon Wertheim from [208.212.220.66], at 3:45pm ET
There are wild rumors floating around about you dating Monica Seles. Can you comment? I'd love to see a Gambill-Seles v. Agassi-Graf mixed doubles match.
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:46pm ET
I have a girlfriend. It's not Monica Seles, but Monica is a very good friend of mine. She's one of the sweetest people on the tour and we have a lot in common and get along well. I hope to play some more mixed doubles, but we aren't dating.
narangn from [63.20.87.21], at 3:47pm ET
Todd Martin is probably the best model in the game of someone who fights the whole match, especially in Davis Cup play. Is there anything that you younger guys learn from being his teamate?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:48pm ET
Todd's been a great team leader for us. Everyone has learned a little bit from him -- his work ethic, his devotion to the country is second to none. I've learned more from Todd and Jim Courier, who was there for his country every single time. I definitely look up to those guys.
Brad from [209.64.21.132], at 3:48pm ET
Jan-Michael. Has there been any discussion as of yet regarding who will play the singles and doubles matches in the first round?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:49pm ET
Pretty much it's set. Not in stone, but right now Todd and myself will be playing in the singles matches and Justin Gimelstob and I will be playing in the doubles. I think those are good matches.
becky from [209.191.69.10], at 3:49pm ET
what's going on with your acting and modeling career? do you have agents for both of these, also is it tough playing in different countries in davis cup
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:52pm ET
Primarily the focus of my career is on my tennis. I'm doing some modeling here and there. On the acting front, I'm trying to get more into that and take the time and do it the right way. I don't want to do the wrong thing and not be ready. I want to take classes on acting and make sure I'm doing it the right way. It's happening a little slowly, but it's something I want to do.

I enjoy playing in other countries. In Spain we had 14,000 people cheering against us and singing songs after every point we lost. But that's the fun of Davis Cup. I think that it promotes patriotism I hope that whatever country we're in -- in the U.S. -- that we're getting in people's faces and having fun. Also, no other country's team has a better support staff than we do in the U.S.
Craig Friedman from [63.252.51.46], at 3:53pm ET
What do you think has been your toughest match of your coureer?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:53pm ET
It's hard to say, what's been the one toughest match. If there was one match I could have changed it would have been losing to Pete at Wimbledon. But I don't think I could single out a toughest match.
Brad from [209.64.21.132], at 3:54pm ET
Have you and Justin ever played doubles together before, and if not do you feel there is enough time to build cohesiveness on the court with the limited amount of preparation you get taking into consideration your regular tour schedules?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:55pm ET
Justin and I so far in competition are undefeated. We won at 12s National and that was the last time we played together. We are friends and get along very well together. I think we'll have plenty of preparation this week and have played several matches already. I think we'll be ready by Saturday for sure.
Adam from [152.16.207.124], at 3:55pm ET
How many languages do you know (or really need to know)?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:56pm ET
Good question. Being an American, I only know English. It would be helpful to know Spanish, but I think I speak English well. Fortunately, anywhere I can go in the world I can get by on it.
Jon Clair from [24.25.158.242], at 3:57pm ET
Jan Michael, does it take more fitness work than other players on your part to play two hands on both sides?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 3:58pm ET
I think I have to be a little bit quicker than the other guys. But I've gotten better with my one-handed return in the corners. It's a shot I have confidence in. Fitness wise I've always worked extra hard because when I was growing up I was skinny and had to bulk up a bit to avoid injuries that plagued me in juniors and into the pros, so I worked very hard in the gym.
Casey Rap from [38.233.177.116], at 3:59pm ET
What can we do to get better male athletes playing tennis? It appears that the US has few men outside the aging legends who are top 10 material with few upcoming prospects.
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:01pm ET
I don't think it's not as dire as that. We have some upcoming players. Tennis competes with other sports with basketball, football, etc. From a camaraderie standpoint they are better. But in tennis, you have no one to blame but yourself. It's a thinkers game that requires hand-eye coordination and you can play the sport for a long time. There's the cost of playing the game. The USTA tries to promote and make it easier for young players to play and see how fun it is. When those top players are there, more people play, so they need to have idols, as well.
Eric Rohloff from [64.21.105.78], at 4:01pm ET
Are you freinds with Anna Kournikova and if so is she a good person to talk to? Thanks and Goodluck
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:02pm ET
I'm good friends with Anna and we get along fairly well. I think she's a nice person.
toney from [205.188.200.47], at 4:02pm ET
is Patrick Rafter really planning on retiring?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:02pm ET
I don't know Pat well enough to know that for a fact. I know as much as the press does.
10S from [129.97.188.133], at 4:03pm ET
What does your fitness regiment include?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:05pm ET
Usually on the tennis court I'm there from 2-4 hours a day doing drills playing sets or a balance of both. Afterward I like to go for a short mile 4 miles or so and on the next day do sprints to keep it varied. I go into the weight room for 1+ hour every day and do two groups chest and body work or legs. I do that regimen twice a week. Then I do abs twice a day. I know that I benefit from it on the court.
eric drew from [128.95.72.49], at 4:05pm ET
What do you think of Rob Kendrick and James Blake added to the team. Couldn't you and I take them both
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:06pm ET
What's up E? They've been a great addition to the team. They are both great guys. They've been great hitting partners and are great players. It's a great week.
Womack5 from [128.54.172.178], at 4:07pm ET
Do you remember the match you played against Gimelstob a few years back in the Sybase Open qualifiers? Unfortunately you lost in 3 sets but the determination you put on the court was extremely admirable, and I think it was the best match I have ever seen in-person.
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:08pm ET
Wow. You must have been one of the ten people watching that match. Thank you. I like to think that I put out 100 percent in all the matches I play. I hate to lose and sometimes on the court I show more emotion than I need to, but I am a fighter. The best thing on the court is to know that you've given it a 100 percent and can walk off the court feeling good about it.
Angie from [204.212.228.163], at 4:08pm ET
Hey Jan-Michael, it is Angie from back home, I wanted to say hi, and say that you have improved a great deal the past few years and was wondering what is the biggest contributer to that. Also how is your little brother doing, is he still playing in the Juniors?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:10pm ET
Thank you. I think my improvement is fixing some fundamental things. Mentally I'm a lot stronger on the court it takes a lot more to rile me on the court and that confidence helps me quite a bit. My brother is playing better and better every day and is playing professional events. We'll be playing doubles in Memphis, which is my first event after the Davis Cup.
jeff from [209.193.146.2], at 4:10pm ET
Who do you think is hands-down the best multi-surface player at this moment?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:11pm ET
I have to say Andre. He's the best on all surfaces.
Gleek from [130.64.137.109], at 4:11pm ET
What would you think of an x-treme tennis league?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:12pm ET
If it means that I get to tackle the other player on the court when I'm getting angry out there than that would be fine with me because I think I could hold my own against any of the other tennis players. It might be kind of fun.
Eric Rohloff from [64.21.105.78], at 4:12pm ET
What's the best field you like to play on? Clay or Turf?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:13pm ET
Grass and hard courts are by far my best surfaces. Clay is becoming more suitable for my game as I play better. I'm enjoying playing on clay more and more every year.
manly marks from [172.156.92.141], at 4:14pm ET
How was your experience playing with Monica Seles at Hopman, and did you learn anything from that experience?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:15pm ET
We both play two-handed. I enjoy watching Monica play tennis. She gives it all she can. I learned from her. She's a very coachable person and tries new things if she thinks it will help her, so I can learn from that as well.
Jake from [24.12.244.71], at 4:15pm ET
It's good seeing a strong force from Wa state. Do you ever go over to Mercer Island and play Michael Chang?
That double fisted forehand is wicked man!
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:16pm ET
Thanks. I have practiced over on Mercer Island with Michael Chang. We're friends. It's easy for me to get over there and whenever I can find time I get over there. We have very good workouts.
DJ from [141.155.175.157], at 4:16pm ET
Who is the toughest opponent you have faced?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:17pm ET
It would have to be somebody that I've played many times, surprisingly the guys I've played the most are Sampras and Agassi. There aren't too many opponents tougher than them, but I have come up with some wins against them.
FotoMatt from [24.9.230.76], at 4:17pm ET
what do you think you need to do to move to the next level,
by that I mean getting to more finals, cracking the top 10,
and hopefully winning a major? And are you going to play in
the Sybase Open this year, actually this month?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:18pm ET
Yes, I'll play the Sybase Open that's my second tournament after the Davis Cup in three weeks. To get up a little higher I need to win the close matches that I've been losing. Fundamental errors losing my mental stability to get ahead and also putting away a match when I've already pretty much won it. Executing when I need to.
angie from [152.163.207.76], at 4:19pm ET
Hi!!!!is it really true how you and your brother Torrey are gonna be on an abercrombie + fitch ad? If true, when are you guys gonna be on the ad?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:19pm ET
We're scheduled to do a photo shoot for the catalog, but that's on hold right now. We'll hopefully do that in the future.
Bilal from [24.12.133.62], at 4:20pm ET
You switched rackets last year. I also used the racket you used before and I was wondering why you switched and what do you like about your new racket. Thanks
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:21pm ET
I switched to the Prince Hornet because it allowed me to really improve my volleys and I get a little bit more control in my serve. It's a very good all-around racquet.
Shane from [207.251.213.135], at 4:21pm ET
What is it like playing with Pete Sampras, one of the best ever? Is he a fun guy to hang out with?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:22pm ET
Playing against Pete -- especially on Center Court at Wimbledon -- is a great honor. As to hanging out with him, he keeps to himself on the tour. You see him at the site, but he does his own thing. He's a very nice guy, though.
10S from [129.97.188.133], at 4:22pm ET
What age did you starting hitting a tennis ball?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:23pm ET
I started playing tennis when I was about 5 or 6 years old. It's hard for me to remember a time when I wasn't playing tennis in some way whether it was just hitting a ball against the garage. It's something I really enjoy.
Eric Rohloff from [64.21.105.78], at 4:24pm ET
Would you ever consider playing mixed doubles with Venus Williams?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:25pm ET
I wouldn't be against that, but mixed doubles is very hard for me to play. It's too many matches. It's almost suicide for me to play in three events. I wouldn't be against playing men's singles and mixed doubles. Monica and I discussed it maybe playing somewhere where we both wouldn't play regular doubles -- just mixed.
Ginger Morris from [209.48.237.242], at 4:25pm ET
Are you playing in the Atlanta Tennis Challenge in April?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:26pm ET
I plan to play the Atlanta event. It's a fun event. I like playing in Georgia. As it stands right now, I'll be playing it.
Steve from [207.30.134.113], at 4:26pm ET
How do you manage to find ways to relax when you're grinding away on the tour? Any particular ways you like to use to keep yourself mentally and emotionally on balance?
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:28pm ET
My dad is my coach. He travels with me a lot of time, so does my brother as a player. Obviously my mom comes. We do stuff as a family go out to the movies and go to dinner. There's a lot of waiting at events. You're at the site for a lot longer than you think, so some days you don't have time to do extra things. I like to do fun things and have my girlfriend join me. I like to get out in the outdoors and enjoy the beach. I also play video games on my computer.
Jan-Michael Gambill at 4:28pm ET
Thanks for all the questions. They were great questions. It's nice that people take time out of their day to talk to me.





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