If he weren’t a tennis player, Ethan Quinn would be a professional chef. Or a barista. Beyond tennis, cooking is his great passion — and if Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner wanted to test his culinary skills, the American would gladly sit them at his table.
“If they call me asking if I can cook for them, maybe I will,” Quinn, world No. 71, told CLAY in an interview during the last US Open, also published by RG Media.
The two best players in the world, however, wouldn’t make his ideal dinner guest list, which would be led by Reilly Opelka: “They would be so jealous! I don’t even know if they know I cook”
At 21, Quinn enjoys discovering cafés in the different cities he visits through tennis, and he’s passionate about exploring new places and cultures: “Not many 21-year-olds get to travel the world for work. My parents haven’t seen half the places I’ve been in one year.”
Interview with Ethan Quinn
– You’re joining a tour full of intensity — a lot of stress, drama, tantrums, beefs and rivalries. How do you see that environment as a newcomer?
– I’ve built good relationships with a lot of players, not just Americans. I talk with guys from all over — even try a bit of Italian here and there with the Italian guys, I learnt a little bit in high school. I tell them to speak Italian to me and I’ll stop them if I don’t understand (laughs). I want to make friendships, because we’re all away from home for long stretches. These guys are my community. Competing and still being friends — that’s a win-win for all of us.
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– You’ve played three straight Grand Slam main draws and you’re top 80 — how has the transition from Challengers to the ATP tour been?
– Now it’s about flipping your mindset. With my current ranking, I’m in main draws more regularly, and sometimes a good week just means winning one match. The level is so high — it doesn’t matter if you’re ranked 120 or 60, the margins are tiny. So, I’ve learned to value a first-round win. The next goal is to string together two or three matches in a row. I actually won eight first rounds until the US Open, so I’ve been consistent, but I’ve struggled in second rounds, often against the same guys — Brandon Nakashima, (Tallon) Griekspoor… it’s about sustaining that high level longer.
– What have you been most proud of this year? And what are your goals for next season?
– The French Open stands out. Qualifying, winning tough matches, and playing back-to-back five-setters — that was a first for me. It gave me a lot of confidence that my training is paying off. Now, I know I can push even harder in the gym, lift more, run faster, work better. Also, I’m proud of those eight straight first-round wins. It shows consistency, that I’m bringing a good product to the court week after week. Next year, I want to win more matches comfortably and extend tournaments beyond round two.
– Are you also interested in growing as a doubles player?
– It’s difficult to get into ATP doubles when you’re relying on your singles ranking. There are a lot of players in singles who also want to play doubles at these events, just to stay active during two-week tournaments. You don’t play every day, so guys like to compete instead of just practicing or sitting around. Playing doubles keeps you competitive, and, of course, earning some extra money is always good. So, it’s hard for someone ranked like me to get into doubles draws. When you’re in qualifying, you’re not even sure you’ll make the singles draw. Every chance I get, I work on transitioning, serves, and returns — it’s always a good opportunity.
– You’ve said you love to travel and explore new cities. Would you ever use tournaments as an excuse to discover new cultures? Could we see you choosing events in South America instead of the hard courts in the United States, for example?
– Absolutely. I want to be good on every surface. That’s what defines the top players — they can win anywhere. I’ve had good results this year on every surface, which makes me proud. And yes, I love exploring. Not many 21-year-olds get to travel the world for work. My parents haven’t seen half the places I’ve been in one year. In Barcelona, for example, I just grabbed a taxi to the city centre and walked around for hours, found cafés and restaurants.
– Not many players go out alone — they’re always with their teams. Do you prefer going solo?
– My team is small — mostly just my coach, Brian Garber. Brad Stine joins for bigger events or when Tommy Paul and I are at the same tournament. But they have their own lives, if they want to rest, workout or do their own thing, I don’t mind. If I can sneak out for a good coffee spot somewhere, I’ll go alone. That’s something I enjoy.
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– If you weren’t a tennis player, what would you be?
– Maybe a chef. Maybe a barista. I love cooking, and I’ve been trying to perfect my coffee skills at home.
– Can you make coffee art?
– I try my best (laughs). It doesn’t look great yet, but I’m getting there.
– Where does this foodie side come from?
– My mom. She cooked every single meal when I was growing up. Before soccer (football) games on Saturday mornings, she’d bake muffins and make hot cocoa from scratch. For dinner, tacos one day, fresh pasta the next — she did everything. She’s amazing, and I learned a lot from her.
– If you could cook for three tennis players, who would you invite to the table?
– That’s a great question! (laughs). I know Reilly Opelka is one. Can I go with a table of five? Also Aleks Kovacevic, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, and myself. Dream team.
– What kind of food would you pick?
– Something that Reilly says is too extravagant for me, something that I could prove him wrong with (laughs).
– Alcaraz and Sinner would be jealous that they were left off the table?
– They would be so jealous! I don’t even know if they know I cook, so maybe if they call me asking if I can cook for them, maybe I will!
– Any other sport you like to play?
– I like golf, just hitting a few balls, but I try not to risk injuries or get hurt doing something stupid. Staying healthy for tennis is more important. Better to be in the gym than playing basketball.
– What are your thoughts on pickleball as a professional sport?
– I’m happy people are making money doing something they love… personally, I don’t love pickleball, so I’m just gonna leave it like that. I’ve played a bit, and at my club in Fresno against regular pickellballers, I beat them first time playing. I like to talk trash to them, but I’m sure the pros are great at what they do.
– What year are you now in college?
– I’ve got about ten classes left — I guess that makes me a senior.
– So when do you graduate?
– At this pace? 2037 (laughs).
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