The Most Interesting Man In The (Tennis) World
Think of the last time you played tennis and saw someone sporting a neon outfit or maybe some Bucee shorts. Maybe he was playing with a huge racquet that surely must be illegal. Or perhaps you were playing with or against someone who told you or his partner to “sit on the bench to start this point”. Then you have witnessed The Most Interesting Man In The (Tennis) World.
He goes by many names; RJ, Russ, Russell, Bubba or just plain Saint Russell. He has been ubiquitous in the local tennis scene for many years, as a player then Pro then player and USTA captain. RJ has always been a great athlete, having played all the team sports growing up in his hometown of Selma. He excelled in football as a running back and picked up tennis later in life.
Russ started playing tennis and was noticed at a tournament and offered a scholarship to play for Huntington in Montgomery. He accepted. After graduating, Russ went to work at Wynlakes club, doing everything and teaching lessons as the assistant Pro. After awhile, he was ready to move on and was convinced to come to Tuscaloosa and be the Assistant at IHCC in 1989.
In 1990, the then largest club, Tuscaloosa Country Club, had an opening as the Director of Tennis and Russell was chosen. He ran tournaments, did lessons and even coached the Tuscaloosa County High tennis teams until 1995.
Bubba knew there was an easier way to make a living, and plus when you teach other people all the time it wrecks your own game. So he started his own business working primarily in the cable industry, so he could get back to his second love (first being his beautiful wife Patty),
playing tennis. Bubba also is a landowner, realtor, landlord, fisherman, hunter, father and friend. He and Patty are known for their epic parties featuring Patty’s cooking and decorations.
But Bubba is The Most Interesting Man In The (Tennis) World due to the aforementioned and his prowess on the court. For years he was one of the most sought after USTA players, not only playing on Tuscaloosa teams but teams from Birmingham. 18 & over, 40 & over, 55 & over, regular, Combo, and Mixed winning multiple State and Sectional titles. It’s not only his play but the adjustments his team will make. He’s not afraid to tell his partner to “stand in the alley or to sit beside the court, to start this point” to win a big point. Yes, you can do that.
If Bubba’s tactics and mind games don’t get you, beware the bright clothing, Bucee shorts or the holy grail of racquets Big Bubba! The longest, biggest most powerful racquet allowed by law. Many have tried and failed to tame its awesome power, yet The Most Interesting Man In The (Tennis) World makes it look easy.
Beware his forehand, watch out for his kick serve and be careful not to fall for his Jedi mind tricks but enjoy the time you can spend on the court with Russell Johnson, The Most Interesting Man In The World.
Stay thirsty my friends…
