Athlete of the Week: Mark Schlobach

Mark Schlobach plays golf, squash and tennis, but tennis is his favorite sport. He was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, and came to the United States when he was 10 years old. He played tennis in the spring and every day in the summer and went to a tennis academy for a month in the summer. He plays three to four times a week at Cedars Tennis and Fitness Club.

What got you into playing tennis?
My parents at the age of 5 back home in Germany. I took lessons, played competitively and traveled the country. I also played in college.

What’s your favorite aspect of playing tennis?
The competition. Sometimes I have to go outside of Longboat Key to find it.

What’s the most difficult element of playing tennis?
Not tightening up and finishing the match. When you are winning, it’s easy to tighten up and not finish. And to stay injury free. I tore my ACL and meniscus skiing 10 years ago, and it has been an issue for me. The warm weather helps me.

What’s the breakfast of champions?
Three eggs, sunny-side up with wheat toast and a protein shake every day. I’m a creature of habit.

If you could play anyone in a game of tennis, against whom would you play?
Roger Federer. He’s just a tennis inspiration. He’s a tennis hall of famer.

Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever played?
Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Italy. It was just a (beautiful) setting. It had red clay courts in the mountains overlooking Lake Como.