Jeff Borowiak

Jeff Borowiak was born on September 25, 1949 and played tennis professionally for 18 years, winning a total of five singles titles and three doubles titles. While attending UCLA, Borowiak played a number one tennis for the Bruins, one of the best teams in collegiate tennis in his time, along with Haroon Rahim who played number 2 tennis, and Jimmy Connors, who played number three. He and Connors were both NCAA champions while Rahim was the youngest player to represent his country in the Davis Cup.

Borowiak had a limp backhand, and he would practice his wrist by strapping on a 1 pound weight on to his strings. While the added weight took a little bit of time to get used to, it made his wrist stronger and soon it was easier for him to improve his volleys without the strings. He also shared this work-out technique with other players. While playing at Wimbledon, Borowiak would travel between his accommodation and the tournament location on his bike with his racquets strapped to his bike.

Borowiak, who plays right–handed reached his highest ever career ranking in the ATP in December 31, 1977, when he placed on the 20th spot. He was an ATP Comeback Player of the Year in 1981, the same year when he reached the finals in Johannesburg and finished R16 in Wimbledon.

Borowiak now lives in Seattle, Washington, working on a book and teaching tennis on the side. He also spends his days meditating. Aside from tennis, Borowiak is also good in music. The former tennis player is an accomplished musician and is skilled in the flute and in playing the piano. He considers Torben Ulrich (father of Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich) a good friend and mentor.