Holding Serve with Michael Rubin
4/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Senior Michael Rubin's illustrious tennis career at Michigan came to an abrupt endthis pastMarch when hefractured a bone in his left wrist during practice. Having already compiled a 10-5 dual match singles record at Nos. 1 and 2, including a perfect 3-0 mark in the Big Ten Conference, Rubin was focused on helping the Wolverines climb to the top of the league standings during the final month of competition. Although he was not able to lead with his play on the court, Rubin provided his teammates with endless support and was one of the main reasons why U-M earned its highest Big Ten finish in six years.
Rubin posted an 8-7 record at No. 1 singles during the 2004 dual match season following a successful fall campaign in which he compiled a 12-4 overall record and a 7-2 regional mark.His fall season was highlighted by trips to the round of 16 at the Icy Hot/ITA All-American Championships (Oct. 3-12) and the final of the Big Ten Singles Championships (Nov. 15-17). AlthoughRubin's season was cut short due to a rib injury, he was stillawarded with his first All-Big Ten nomination.
Rubin made an immediate impact on the U-M tennis program after transferring from the University of Washington, as he finished his first season as a Wolverine (2002-03) with a team-best 25-12 overall singles record and a regional mark of 19-9.
Rubin has not only made strideson the tennis court, but also in the classroom. He was named Academic All-Big Tenthe past two seasons and has earned the U-M Athletic Academic Achievement award the last three years.Rubinwill graduate this weekendwith a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies from the College of Literature, Science and the Arts.
Before leaving campus, Rubin tooksome time totalk about his experience as a student-athlete at Michigan, his relationship with his brother, and his dreams of pursuing a professional tenniscareer.
On how he got started playing tennis
"I started playing when I was three. My dad was a semi-pro basketball player, so he was in sports coaching for most of his life. I think it was always his dream to have me be a professional athlete of some kind. I think his original thought was in baseball. I started tennis when I was three of four, and Ive stuck with it ever since."
On his favorite tennis moment growing up
"Looking back now, my greatest tennis achievement would have to be when I beat Andy Roddick at the National Indoor when I was 15. That was probably the best one."
On his decision to transfer to Michigan
"I was very close with (former U-M coach) Mark Mees. He was my coach growing up and throughout high school. I was always very pleased with the success and achievements I had with him as a coach. I thought it would be a very good fit for me and it turned out that way."
On the difference between the Washington and Michigan programs
"I think every coach has their different individual style of coaching. With Mark (Mees), he knew my strengths and weakness pretty well. We were more or less able to pick up where we left off when I arrived at Michigan. It wasnt that big of an adjustment. I knew Mark on a personal level, so I was very comfortable being here. The biggest difference between the two tennis settings was that there were a lot of foreign players that were much older than me at Washington. I was 18 when I started there and I think the next youngest player was 22. I didnt really have a lot in common with them other than playing tennis. When I came to U-M, a lot of the guys were around my age and I knew some of them growing up. It was a more comfortable situation for me."
On playing at U-M with his brother, Carey
"It was great because we do a lot of things similar, as far as working out and practicing. We have a similar desire and passion for the game. Living with someone who wants to practice all the time and has similar aspirations in both academics and athletics is a very big help, especially in a college situation."
On his most memorable tennis moments at Michigan
"There were a couple of them. When I was with (former U-M assistant) Dan Goldberg at the 2003 ITA All-American Championships and I reached the round of 16 after winning four matches. I defeated the third-ranked player in the country in the draw, so that was definitely one of my greatest moments here. The other would be reaching the finals at the 2003 Big Ten Singles Championship, because we hosted it here. A lot of my teammates came out and gave me support. Also when we played Brown last year. It was a very big match for us as a team, and I clinched the match with my victory at No. 1. Overall, I think Ive had a lot of very good memories playing college tennis at Michigan."
On his season-ending injury
"We were practicing at Notre Dame. At the end of practice we were playing some doubles points and I got lobbed and moved really awkwardly to it. As I hit the overhead, I totally lost my balance and fell backwards and sideways to my left. I put my wrist down to break the fall and that was pretty much it. I got up and the trainer looked at it a little bit. I went back out and tried to hit some backhands to see if it was okay. It didnt really feel that bad a minute or two after it happened, but then it kept getting worse overnight. At that point, I knew something was definitely wrong."
On what he has been doing to keep in shape
"I just like to play, even if its with one hand. Ive been working out a ton, usually twice a day if I can, riding the bike or lifting weights. I just want to come out and support the guys for the rest of the season. I just finished class, so thats obviously a big burden off my shoulders."
On his plans after graduation
"I really dont know. Some things havent panned out the way I had hoped they would, but the doctor is anticipating a full recovery. With that in mind, Im hoping to get back into my tennis and pursue a professional career. Hopefully that will still be in place for me."
On what he will miss most about college tennis
"I enjoyed being able to have a coach with you on the court. That was the most fun part for me. I really enjoyed that."
On what he will miss most about Michigan
"The overall support from the faculty, alumni and administrators. Its a really special place to be a part of. Its a nice feeling when people bring you in and accept you as one of them. It really meant a lot to me. I think thats what I respect the most about Michigan."
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Contact: Marc Ressler (734) 763-4423
