(June 27, 2013) --
Dustin Brown finds himself into the third round of this year's Wimbledon after a stunning display of all-court tennis against former champion
Lleyton Hewitt. Learn more about this journeyman seeking greater glory on the lawns of the All-England Club.
1. German Born, Jamaica Roots: Brown was born in Celle, Germany, on Aug. 12, 1984. His mother is German and his father is Jamaican. Brown lived in Germany until 1996 before he moved to Jamaica to start his pro tennis career. Brown changed his nationality to German back in 2010 and continues to represent the country.
2. Early Years: Brown's parents bought him a camper so he could drive around Europe playing in small events from 2004 to 2007. When asked about the camper in his post-match press conference, Brown replied, "I still have the van. It's parked in Germany at my parents' place."
3. ATP Achievements: In 2010, Brown reached the quarterfinals of Johannesburg and Newport in singles. That same year he won his first doubles title with Rogier Wassen in Metz. Brown achieved his highest singles ranking when he climbed to No. 89 in early 2011.
4. Dustin in Doha: Brown qualified to compete in the main draw of this past January's event in Qatar. In the round of 32, he pushed
David Ferrer to three sets before losing to the Spaniard 5-7, 3-6, 6-2. That was Brown's only ATP main draw match until Wimbledon.
5. Wimbledon Wonder: Brown used his serve and volley tactics to upend former champion Lleyton Hewitt in four sets. It marks the first time the German has ever reached the third round in singles at a Grand Slam.
6. Emotional Victory: "Yeah I cried like a little girl," said Brown after beating Hewitt. "Just happy and emotional and everything. I have a lot of friends here, my coach is here, my girlfriend is here. I'm very happy about everything. Yeah, just been a very long way. Just happy that I actually got through the match."
7. Social Savvy: The shirt that Brown wore during his match displayed his Twitter handle in full view of everyone to see. One can follow him on Twitter
@dreddytennis
8. Grass Guy: Brown cites grass as his favorite surface.
9. Idol Worship: Russian great
Marat Safin is Brown's favorite player of all time.
10. Brown On His Chances at Wimbledon: "Well, I mean, it's a pretty big paycheck up to now. The tournament's not done yet. I also have doubles to play tomorrow. I'm really trying not to get into it too much until the tournament's done."
Sources: ATP.com, Wimbledon
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images) |