Jan. 26, 2005
By Roland Hu, USD Media Relations
Robbie Blair, a member of the USD Men's Tennis team, is just one of two seniors on the squad. One of the top Torero players, Blair will look to challenge for a spot in the upper half of both the singles and doubles ladder. Before the season opener against BYU on January 28, he sat down with Roland Hu for a one-on-one interview.
1. How did you spend your summer?
I went back home to South Africa and I was constantly on the beach. Just in the sun on the beach, so yeah...
You're at the beach here. Why spend more time on the beach?
Well, it's summer over there and it was really warm so it was nice.
Did you play any tennis while you were back?
I played a little over the summer with my brother. He's 16 years old so I just played with him. When I'm not on the beach, I'm with him.
How does South Africa differ from the U.S.?
Well actually, where I am from, Cape Town, South Africa, it is pretty similar to San Diego. The weather is similar, except the seasons are a little bit different. But the scenery and everything is similar.
What about the people and the culture?
Oh, South Africans are more laid back than the Americans! Definitely. More relaxed.
2. A place that I have never visited but would love to is...
That's an odd one. I've never really thought about that. I've been to quite a lot of places, but the first place that pops into my mind is London. I've never been to London.
What is it about London that...
I don't know. A lot of South Africans are there who work and stuff. I've been all over the world, but I've never had a chance to go to London so...
Hopefully take in a little Wimbledon as well?
I would love to.
3. What CD are you embarrassed to admit that you own?
What CD [laughs]. Geez, that's a hard one... shucks. I would say I own a Destiny's Child CD, but I must add that it was a present.
So then it's ok that you own it because it was a present?
Exactly, exactly. I wouldn't buy it for myself.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Mostly rock music.
Mostly American music?
Yeah, mostly American, like for instance Metallica. They are my number one band. I listen to all kinds of music, but I favor rock.
Any big South African musicians you like?
Well I don't know if you have heard of Seether. They are actually South African and they are pretty famous right now. Naturally, I'm a big Seether fan.
4. Do you have any nicknames?
Actually, I really don't have a nickname. Everyone just calls me Rob. Rob is pretty much it. I don't have any special name or anything.
5. It's 3 A.M. and you can't go to bed. What would you put in your VCR or DVD player?
The Matrix or The Lord of the Rings. One of the two.
Now because they are both trilogies, are you talking the whole set...
Actually, if I start watching it, I can't stop because it is so good. I love both those movies so much I could probably watch them all.
You like fantasy a lot?
I love fantasy and I also read fantasy a lot. I'm very into that kind of stuff.
What other kind of movies do you like?
I like Troy and Gladiator, you know, with the big fighting scenes. I love that.
You like the blood and the mayhem?
Yeah, the blood and the mayhem, that's ok, but I just love how they can get that many people together and the filming is great.
6. What hidden talents do you have that no one really knows about?
I play some guitar. I used to be in a band in South Africa before I came here. So I have some musical talent here.
Did your band ever make it big in South Africa?
Actually, not too bad! We had two records released, but only within South Africa though.
What was the name of your band?
It was called Picture This.
So I guess your bandmates were pretty upset at you for pursuing tennis?
Actually, I don't really know because the new guy they got is 10 times better than I ever was! So I don't really think they are upset about it!
7. So these days it seems like the networks are popping up with all kinds of new reality T.V. shows. What reality TV show would you want to participate in?
I love The Apprentice. That's definitely my favorite show.
You're majoring in...
Business Administration.
So you think your background would help you out there?
Yeah. I also read a lot about Donald Trump when I was younger so I'm into The Apprentice.
If you could produce a reality show, what concept would you pitch to the networks?
What concept? Wow, that's a tough one. I would say... I like the dating scene, for instance The Real World. Put a bunch of people in a room and see what happens. Like Big Brother. I like that show a lot too.
Is it big in South Africa?
Yeah, Big Brother is. It isn't huge here, but it is in South Africa. Biggest reality show we have.
8. What other sports do you like besides tennis?
Actually, I never knew any American sports [before coming to San Diego], but I love basketball. I actually love football too.
American football?
Yeah, American football. I am pretty much a huge rugby fan.
Pretty hard to come by, huh?
Yeah, rugby is pretty hard to come by in the States.
Who are your favorite athletes?
At the moment, I would say Michael Vick. He's amazing. And then for basketball, I would say Shaquille O'Neil.
No Kobe for you?
No Kobe for me, thank you! I'm not the biggest fan.
What about tennis?
Definitely Roger Federer without a question. I model my game after him. He's just got everything, every shot in the book. I would love to play like that if I could!
Are you rooting for him or Andy Roddick to win the Australian Open?
Definitely Federer. I used to play Roddick back in the junior days. I'm not a big fan of Andy! We had some battles and he use to be the most cocky guy out on the court.
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