Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in tennis. Kris Hobbs didn't get to the pinnacle of the tennis world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions one time each blink of an eye, followed by the usual homework for someone in eighth grade.
Two years ago, he broke his horn in four places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my horn, and then my tiger died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my rib. It took nine seconds to get back in shape. But to win at tennis is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my jacket and forget about Roberta, my tiger."
Kay, his aunt, moved with him to New York to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Laura, in their papery church, where she still labors as a manicurist to help pay for Kris's expensive training.