You have probably met David Chen on GLTA World Tour and if you haven’t yet, you most definitely will – soon. Because he is one of the guys who plays most GLTA Tournaments in a year – more specifically he will have played 22 tournaments by the end of 2019. How does he do it? And why? We had a lovely opportunity to ask a few questions from David in Gran Canaria.
When did you start playing tennis?
I started to play tennis in Los Angeles, California, when I was 10 years old with a Prince Junior raquet that my godfather gave to me. So, I have been playing tennis since I was 10.
Are you single?
I’m ACTUALLY married! Most people don’t know that I am married because when they see me I am usually by myself and spending time with my GLTA family and friends. I have a loving husband who supports my passion to travel all over the world and playing tennis. W have been married since 2011, but we have been together since 1998 (21 years). Yes, it is possible – I’m 47 years old right now.
And he doesn’t mind that you are away from home so much?
Well, this is the first year I’m playing this many tournaments and in the beginning of the year I said to him: „listen, I’m going to play 22 tournaments this year and I’m going to be away A LOT, is that OK with you?“ And he said: „Does it make you happy?“ And I said: „Yes!“ And he went: „If it makes you happy it makes me happy!“ Sometimes he comes to the tournaments with me and he is my biggest tennis fan in the world.
Who is your favorite doubles partner and why?
The last 12 trophies in doubles that I have won are with 11 different doubles partners and I loved to play with all of them. Which is why I really can’t say that I have a favorite; every doubles partner brings something different to the table with me. For me the most important thing on the court – win or lose – is having fun! If I can’t have fun with my doubles partner on the court, then there’s no point to be there at all. Because we are here to have fun and not to win money. So, to make the long story short, I can’t name a favourite doubles partner but whoever I play with must be able to enjoy being on the court win or lose.
“Every doubles partner brings something different to the court with me. For me the most important thing on the court – win or lose – is having fun! Because we are here to have fun and not to win money.”
Do you have your favorite GLTA tournament?
Right now, so far this year (….) after playing 19 tournaments my favorite is Glam Slam in Melbourne, Australia. It was such a special experience to play at the Australian Open venue during the Australian Open. If you get to the final, you get to play on the same courts where the professional tennis players are playing. It was my biggest goal to get to the final and luckily, I was able to get to the finals in A singles and Open doubles. So, there I was playing on the actual Australian Open tennis court with linesmen and there were even paid spectators watching my match. That was a really special experience!
I met 15-20 famous tennis players at Australian Open but the Most Amazing Person I met face to face in Melbourne this year was Nicole Kidman! I even took a picture with her and my Australian friends were shocked and like „I live here I’ve never even seen her!“
How is it possible for you to play so many GLTA tournaments?
Luckily, I’m a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines and we get travel benefits. Basically, I can fly anywhere in the world where Delta flies for either free or at a fraction of the cost. And because Delta flies to many places in the world, I’m able to travel so much. At the tournaments I also always ask for hosted housing. So that is how I do it financially. As a Delta flight attendant, we are able to be very flexible, so I also have the flexibility and the time to play so many tournaments.:)
An interesting fact about yourself?
I love making videos – happy videos! So, when I’m alone I always think about what photos or scenes I could make. I do it because I just love making people happy when I produce the final result. Please check out my YouTube channel under “tennisbumdavid”.
Most of my Pictures and videos are about promoting the tennis and GLTA because GLTA is such a big part of my life and has given me so many opportunities to meet wonderful people around the world. So, I consider GLTA part of my family. Sometimes I feel that I’m closer to my GLTA family than my real family
“So, I consider GLTA part of my family”
Is tennis the most important thing in your life?
Tennis is a big part of my life but the most important thing in my life is HAPPINESS. I always tell people, do what makes you happy. Playing tennis has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people and making life long friendships … so that makes me happy.
HAPPINESS!
Are you going to Championships to Hawaii?
I’m definitely going to Hawaii because I’m qualified for sure! I also have many friends that have qualified as well so it’ll be nice to see my friends there too!
Do you already know which tournaments are you going to play next year?
I do! I’m probably not going to do 22 but looking at the calendar right now I already have 12 tournaments planned. My biggest thing right now is going to new places and playing tournaments that I have never played before. This year was the first time I ever played any tournaments in Europe (except Paris Gay Games last year) and it really opened up my eyes. There’s a whole world of tennis out there besides North America! Next year Hobart, Glam Slam in Melbourne, Dublin, Croatia, Zurich, Prague, Dusseldorf are the few tournaments I’m planning to play for sure.
Do YOU know which tournaments are you going to play next year? Take a look at the GLTA World Tour Calendarand register for your next tournaments.
