Move over Williams sisters, there’s a new sibling force tearing up the courts. The Hendrie brothers, P.J. and Jake, hailing from New Braunfels, Texas, are having a great start to the season on the men’s tennis team.
P.J., a junior and the older of the two, began playing at age 12 through the guidance of his father. Jake, a freshman, had tennis far on the back burner before he picked up a racket at age 15. His athletic desires led him to baseball, football and basketball. When Jake didn’t make the basketball team in high school, his father suggested tennis, and he hasn’t been able to put down the racket since.
The Hendries share a close bond off the court, which was a major influence in Jake’s decision to attend Saint Louis University. They both enjoy being outside as a great stress relief from their hectic workout and class schedules. On the court, however, brotherly love can take a back seat to love of the game.
“We’re both really competitive, and we don’t like losing,” P.J. said. “It gets heated, but we’re fine. It’s all about the team.”
Though tennis is typically regarded as an individual sport, the games played on the individual stage go toward the points for the entire team. P.J. described the team atmosphere as “more fun and intense.”
“If one of the guys slacks off, it takes a toll on the whole team,” Jake said.
The brothers pride themselves on their intensity toward the game-an intensity that sometimes gets them into trouble.
“I really admire [Rafael] Nadal’s work ethic and [Roger] Federer’s natural talent, and I try to incorporate both into my life,” said Jake. “But I have [John] McEnroe’s temper.”
P.J. acknowledged the comparison to McEnroe, saying that he, too, sometimes loses his cool on the court, though it may not always be for the best.
“Losing your temper makes you lose focus,” P.J. said. “Lose focus, and you can lose the match. Sometimes, one bad point can stay with you for the next three points.”
Head coach John Zych held nothing but praise for the duo and acknowledged their dedication to the game. “P.J. is a very talented player who always goes for broke,” he said. “He always goes for it a little bit more. But Jake is more of a Hollywood player. He’ll take risks and go for the flashy shots.
“They both bring such a positive energy to the team and they both have a lot of school spirit and love wearing the Billiken blue.”
The pair shares more than the same drive for the game. They also share nearly the same drive for the future-a career in law enforcement. P.J., especially, hopes to work with the FBI. A future in tennis is not out of the question, though.
“We’ve been playing for so long, we’ll have trouble putting down the racket,” P.J. said.
