Robert Shaw

What is your earliest tennis memory? Hitting against the wall beside my garage pretending I was Andre Agassi, Daniel Nestor and Fabrice Santoro. How, where, and when did you start playing? I first started playing formal tennis in North Bay when I was about 8 years old. My father brought me to the courts and signed me up for the competitive team and that was it. What made you decide to choose tennis? I think I liked how complex the sport was and more importantly, how fast paced it was. The idea that once a point was over you immediately start another was very appealing. Your biggest inspiration and why? My biggest tennis inspiration growing up was Fabrice Santoro and Daniel Nestor. I loved how creative and determined Fabrice was on court and the courage he had to play like no other player with his unorthodox two-handed forehand. Daniel is who inspired me to play the game of doubles and to take it as serious as my singles. Favourite sport other than tennis? Hockey Family, what do they do and how have they impacted your tennis career? They are my biggest support network. They’ve supported every decision that I’ve made no matter how difficult. Favourite sports team? Toronto Maple Leafs Favourite athlete? Past: Fabrice Santoro; Present: Roger Federer Favourite TV show? The Office/Curb Your Enthusiasm Favourite food? Papaya Which actor/actress would play you in a movie? Justin Timberlake Super power you wish you could have? The ability to speak in all languages. Secret obsession? Its no secret amongst my friends, but Canadian dairy products. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I consider myself a relatively shy person. Describe yourself in 3 words? Simple, Habitual, Genuine If you weren’t playing tennis, what would you be doing? I am doing my PhD and will continue to participate in community informed research long after my playing career. Other than tennis, what are you most passionate about? I have become quite passionate about painting over the past 2 years. I find it to be a really satisfying and calming creative outlet.