Austin Tennis Academy News

May 13, 2009

Doubles Duo of Durham/Bader Featured in Austin American-Statesman

Faces Off the Field: Westlake's Alex Durham, Russell Bader

Alex Durham

WESTLAKE TENNIS, JUNIOR

Durham will pair with Russell Bader to compete in next week's state tournament, in doubles.

What is your favorite tennis memory?

It would have to be the Gator Bowl (a junior tennis tournament in Florida) when I was 14. I won six really tough matches and had a blast playing in the nice weather on clay courts.

What makes you and Russell so successful?

We balance each other. Being such close friends and partners for so long, I know how to bring out the best in him and vice versa. Doubles is about how in-synch you are with your partner.

Anyone can be a teammate or buddy when things are going great. It's a lot tougher to stay positive and be encouraging when things are not going well.

What court do you dream about playing on?

Center Court at Wimbledon. My best friend (Ryan Harrison) is a young professional who will most likely play there in years to come, so I'm hoping that maybe I can warm him up there.

It's well known that Wimbledon is filled with tradition. So many great players have played there, and the English have such respect for the game that the tournament and facilities are almost sacred.

What high school course that you've taken will help you the most after you graduate?

History. Knowing the past is the best way to deal with the future.

If you had a choice of being All-State or valedictorian, which would you choose?

All-State. I make good grades, but since I'm an athlete, the recognition of being the best among my peer group would be a huge achievement.

Tell something about Russell that most people don't know.

Russell was top five in the nation in the 12-under division. He quit for 21/2 years and is now back in the top 25 in the nation.

Do you have any pre-match rituals?

My coach, Jack Newman, is huge on rituals and routine. He has made me realize that rituals really increase my performance by increasing focus. Before a match, I like to get alone for a while, listen to music, pray and visualize a good performance.

- Rick Cantu

Russell Bader

WESTLAKE TENNIS, JUNIOR

What makes you and Alex such a good doubles team?

Alex and I have been playing for three years now, and the experience playing together really helps us learn each other's instincts and we are able to communicate freely to one another on and off the court.

What's more difficult to maintain - good grades or high athletic achievement?

I'd have to say they are equally difficult, in different ways.

If you had a choice of being All-State or valedictorian, which would you choose?

Valedictorian because having the ability to choose where I would like to go to college would be a great achievement.

Tell something about Alex that most people don't know.

Alex's dream job is to coach college football at a Division I school.

Do you have any pre-match rituals?

I bust out my iPod and listen to Lil Wayne or U2 before every match.

- Rick Cantu

Back to News Summary