ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: David Green

David Green has been playing tennis competitively for about 10 years and plays often — rain or shine. Prior to playing tennis, he was a competitive racquetball player, but he traded one racket for another when his wife, Linda, encouraged him to start playing tennis. Green works for Waste Management and was one of the main people behind the Aces for Education tennis exhibition that was recently held at Cedars Tennis Resort. The tennis event raised $5,000, and the money will be used to give grants to teachers in Manatee County. ***Watch Green out on the court in the video below.***

What are you best at in tennis?
I think my movement might be my best attribute in tennis. I cover the court pretty well — I’m pretty athletic — and that probably makes up for my lack of some of my technical skills.

What would you like to improve?
Right now I’m trying to improve my second serve. Especially in competitive, tight matches, you need to be able to hit a good second serve.

Who is your favorite tennis player?
My all-time favorite tennis player is Andre Agassi. I would have loved to have played with him. I try to emulate my game after him, and it would be an awesome experience to hit balls with him or play in an exhibition with him.

Have you set any tennis goals for 2011?
In 2011 I’d like to try to play at least 100 days a year. I’d like to go see the Sarasota Open here on Longboat Key in May. And we are looking into taking a trip overseas to go to a tournament somewhere in Europe this summer if we can work it out.

Do you know someone who would make a great Athlete of the Week? E-mail [email protected].