A Conversation With Dustin Brown

TSD Magazine's 1st contributor is Sheila from Black Tennis Pro's. THE place where you can get the current events, match facts and latest info on the Black professionals in the game of tennis. A great read I might add. Sheila was gracious enough to share her interview with tennis player/model Dustin Brown. Enjoy!

Shelia: Dustin, I'm very happy that you consented to an interview for Black Tennis Pro's. I just became aware of you a couple of months ago, so I don't know very much about you. Tell me a bit about yourself and growing up in Jamaica.

Dustin: Well, I am 23 Years of age, I was born in Germany on the 8th of December 1984. In 1996 I moved to Jamaica, which was a lot different to the life in Germany but also very important for my progress in life and tennis. 

Shelia: Where do you currently live?

Dustin: I currently live in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Shelia: What began your interest in tennis?

Dustin: In Germany at the age of 5, we lived beside a tennis club, and the coach there was also Jamaican and a friend of my parents.

Shelia: I understand that Jamaica does not have a tennis federation, where do you do your training, get equipment, coaches?
Dustin: Jamaica has a tennis federation, but they aren’t doing anything for professional tennis, so basically you are right, there is no federation. They don’t sponsor me and even so I am the best tennis player Jamaica had over the last 16 years, they don’t even report my results in the media. With some financial support I could be much further than I am right now. I am training in Germany right now, and my equipment is sponsored by Babolat (Rackets), Pacific (Strings) & Topspin (Clothing). This is only equipment sponsoring, no money.

Shelia: Do you receive sponsorship from Jamaican sources?

Dustin: No, I don't receive any sponsorship from Jamaican sources.

Shelia: Have you traveled to the United States yet?

Dustin: I have been to the states many times for tournaments and for practice in Academies mostly at the Every Tennis Academy.
Shelia: Which tournaments will you be participating in soon?

Dustin: My plan right now is to play 3 Futures in Switzerland, and one in the UK and then get ready for the clay court season.
Shelia: I notice that you've done some modeling, do you enjoy it? Is it something that you are serious about?

Dustin:Yes, I enjoy modeling. Well, serious yes, but tennis still comes first. I had a shooting for the clothing firm Sir Benni Miles last week.
Shelia: You caught the eye of some of my readers so I created a post from some of the photos on your website. It went over very well.

Dustin: I am happy to hear that readers were very interested to get information about me.
Shelia: What do you do for fun? Or do you have much time for fun?

Dustin: Well basically when I am not doing anything related to my sport tennis I am doing a lot which has to do with my laptop i.e. music, internet, watch dvd's. I also like to go out with friends and have a good time, going to the movies, a bar, a disco, or just spend time with my girlfriend.
Shelia: Okay, let's get some 'fun facts' about you, what's your favorite food?
Dustin: Ackee & Saltfish (Jamaican National Dish).

Shelia: Favorite book?

Dustin: Illuminati & Sakrileg by Dan Brown
Shelia: Favorite Movie?
Dustin: Cool Runnings.
Shelia: Favorite type of music?

Dustin: Hip Hop, R&B & Dancehall.
Shelia: Favorite vacation spot?
Dustin: Jamaica (Visit my Dad).
Shelia: Favorite grand slam tournament?

Dustin: Wimbledon.
Shelia: Favorite ATP Tour player?

Dustin: Marat Safin.
Shelia: Favorite WTA Tour player?

Dustin: Serena Williams.

Dustin's official player site is here and his modeling site is here.