Double Or Nothing With... Mirnyi & Nestor

© Getty ImagesMax Mirnyi (left) has now reached six Miami finals; Nestor will appear in his third Miami title match.

Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor are a force to be reckoned with. Joining forces for the first time, each are extremely talented in doubles. Not to mention accomplished.

Nestor is the ATP World Tour all-time leader in career doubles wins; with four wins at the Sony Ericsson Open this week, he’s notched 795 career victories at the tour level, 13 more than second highest Todd Woodbridge. Furthermore, he’s the only doubles player in history to win all four majors, an Olympic Gold Medal, every ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at least once in his career. 

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His Belarusian partner has quite the resume too – Mirnyi has reached the final of every major in doubles, winning two US Opens and two French Opens. He’s also the owner of three mixed doubles titles, including the 2007 US Open with countrywoman Victoria Azarenka. Nicknamed “The Beast”, he fared well in singles for several years, reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open and fourth round at Wimbledon three times, and achieved a career best singles ranking of 18 in the world on August 18, 2003.

Both Mirnyi and Nestor are former World No. 1s and are still playing at the highest of levels. We spoke to the tandem after their semi-final win against Jurgen Melzer and Philipp Petzschner earlier this evening at the Sony Ericsson Open.

You’re teaming up this year for the first time and won the ATP World Tour 500 event in Memphis and also reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open. How satisfied are you with your progress thus far?
DN: With our performance this week, I feel like we’re playing our best tennis of the year. We’re really starting to gel. It also helps that Max is such a good role model in the gym… I’m lucky if I’m 25 percent as committed as he is when it comes to hitting the gym. We also have a great coach in Scott Davidoff and we get along well both on and off the court.

MM: It was an easy thing to fall into, after Daniel was part of one of the best teams the past three years [with Nenad Zimonjic]. We’re playing with a lot of confidence and working hard, and started well in Brisbane so we’re both happy so far I think.

Max, you’ve won this event four times and have made six finals. What is it about Miami that enables you to produce consistent results at the Sony Ericsson Open?
MM: Bradenton. All the hours spent there have been the difference. I have to give full credit to Nick Bollettieri and the IMG Academies. My years there really help in dealing with tough conditions, which can sometimes be in play here in Miami.

Dan, you’ve won pretty much everything there is to win in tennis – all four majors, Olympic Gold, year-end championships, mixed doubles titles and all the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events. What is it that drives you to keep playing in a sport where you’ve accomplished as much as one possibly can?
DN: Winning major titles never gets old. I’m pretty competitive and like winning tournaments where I haven’t had as much success, like here in Miami. Max has been strong here… it’s nice to get into a final after losing in the early rounds the past couple years here. I enjoy competing and there’s no sense in stopping what I love doing.

Like quite a few of the veteran doubles players on tour, you guys have families with young children. How tough is it to balance time with them while maintaining yourselves as one of the top tier teams in doubles, especially when you’re missing time away from your children during their early years?
MM: It’s important to have support from your family, which I have. My wife is fully committed to me playing tennis. I make sure to be home as often as I can. I’m never on the road for more than three weeks at a time. It’s important to be involved with my children’s lives.

DN: Same goes for me. My wife is supportive of what I’m doing and she’s good at helping things run smoothly. Obviously I don’t have three kids like Max, which is more demanding, but my wife has been great in allowing me to do I what love without asking for anything in return. I plan on giving back to her when I stop playing.

Speaking of your children, how are they doing? Max, I know your eldest, Melanie, is most likely in school. Is she aware of the details about your profession?
MM: Yes, they are in school. Melanie knows what I am doing. She often asks my wife how I’m doing, if I won my match. It’s an extra incentive to do well. Playing tennis is the best thing I can do for my family. I try to be a good role model and set a positive example.

And you Danny? Tiana’s probably at that age where communication starts to flourish?
DN: Yes, she’s at a good age. She communicates well and notices when I have to leave. We almost try not to make a big deal about it when I have to travel. I often leave my bags in the car to make it easier. It will get tougher as she gets older but we do our best to make sure I see her as often as possible.

Mirnyi On Nestor:

When Is His Birthday?
Mirnyi Says: 1972, no idea on date.
Actual Answer: September 4, 1972

When And Where Did He Win 1st ATP World Tour Title?
Mirnyi Says: No idea
Actual Answer: Bogota 1994

His Favorite Sports Team?
Mirnyi Says: Pittsburgh Steelers
Actual Answer: Steelers – he should know that. Easy question

Favorite Band/Singer?
Mirnyi Says: Shania Twain, haha
Actual Answer: I don’t have a favorite

When Did He Reach No. 1 In Doubles For 1st Time?
Mirnyi Says: Sometime in 2001
Actual Answer: August 9, 2002

Mirnyi Afterwards: Your trivia was too tough Matt. Didn’t do so well!
It wouldn’t be fun if it was easy!

Nestor On Mirnyi:

When Is His Birthday?
Nestor Says: July, 1977
Actual Answer: July 6, 1977

When And Where Did He Win 1st ATP World Tour Title?
Nestor Says: Singapore, 1999
Actual Answer: Shanghai, 1997

His Favorite Sports Team?
Nestor Says: KHL team in Minsk
Actual Answer: Dynamo Minsk, KHL

Favorite Band/Singer?
Nestor Says: Carlos Santana!
Actual Answer: Anyone with mad guitar skills

When Did He Reach No. 1 In Doubles For 1st Time?
Nestor Says: Summer of 2004
Actual Answer: June 9, 2003

DN: Who did better?
You were closer on a couple questions, so I’d give you the edge, but it wasn’t a runaway!