Double Or Nothing... With Butorac and Rojer

© Getty ImagesJean-Julien Rojer and Eric Butorac are chasing a berth at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Twenty-nine-year-olds Eric Butorac and Jean-Julien Rojer have emerged as one of the best doubles team’s on the ATP World Tour in 2011. After coming together this past July, the two won titles in Tokyo and Stockholm last fall to begin their rise up the ATP World Tour Doubles Rankings.

At this year’s Australian Open, they achieved a major breakthrough by reaching the semi-finals, a career-best result for each in men’s doubles.  Both now hold an individual doubles ranking inside the Top 30 – Butorac sits at No. 27 and Rojer is not far behind at No.29

Currently ranked fourth in the 2011 ATP Doubles Team Rankings, which determine the eight qualifying teams for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in November, Butorac and Rojer are prepared to continue working hard towards their goal of reaching the season-end championships.

We caught up with the tandem yesterday. The two are slated to play No. 3 seeds Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes today on Court 1.

You guys joined forces last fall and have had some fantastic results. What are the keys to your success so far?
Butorac: The number one reason is hard work. We’ve spent a lot of time on the practice courts, putting in hours at the gym. Analyzing film has been another important component. Jules and I have really just tried to improve upon each result and it’s been a great first six months.

Your run to the semi-finals at the Australian Open was a major best result for both of you. Can you talk about that experience?
Rojer: It was a wonderful experience being in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam. It’s tough to describe.

Butorac: Anytime you get to play on a center court like Rod Laver Arena, it’s a special occasion. We both had only played on a court as big as Laver once or twice before in our careers.

Professional athletes are known for having superstitions. Do either of you have any? If so, what are they?
Rojer: I’d say we both have routines, but not superstitions. For instance we both like to listen to a lot of music before we play. I tape my finger before every practice and match.

The way doubles is played has really changed in the past few years. How do your styles fit into this evolution?
Butorac: I think the upcoming teams that are doing well both serve and return well. Jules and I have a lefty-righty combination on serve which helps and our serves are good and different; I hit mine with more spin and he plays for more power.

We’ve really worked on our return games too. It’s so important to not only make first serves, but return as many of your opponent’s first serves as possible.

If you wanted to find out one thing about the other you didn’t know, what would you ask them?
Rojer: How does it feel to be engaged?

(Laughter)

I don’t know if you can top that one Booty.

Butorac: I know, that’s tough to beat!

… I guess, how did you get so fast?

Each player was then put on the spot with the same five questions about their partner. Read below to see which player knows more about their teammate!

Butorac On Rojer:
When is his birthday?
Butorac Says: 8/25/81
Actual Answer: 8/25/81

His biggest pet peeve?
Butorac Says: People asking him for tickets
Actual Answer: People who are overly sarcastic

His favorite TV show?
Butorac Says: Tough, I’ll guess Entourage
Actual Answer: Entourage

Where and where did he win his first tour-level match (250 event or higher)?
Butorac Says: Bastad, three years ago
Actual Answer: Casablanca 2008

His favorite vacation destination?
Butorac Says: The Caribbean
Actual Answer: Anywhere in the Caribbean

Rojer On Butorac:
When is his birthday?
Rojer Says: May, 81
Actual Answer: 5/22/81

His biggest pet peeve?
Rojer Says: No clue!
Actual Answer: Tardiness

His favorite TV show?
Rojer Says: Modern Family
Actual Answer: Modern Family

When and where did he win his first tour-level match (250 event or higher)?
Rojer Says: 4-5 years ago somewhere in France with Jamie Murray
Actual Answer: Indianapolis 2006 (with Ashley Fisher)

His favorite vacation destination?
Rojer Says: He doesn’t vacation much but his favorite place is France
Actual Answer: South of France

It’s safe to say, despite their differences in personalities, the two know quite a bit about their respective partners!