Hall of Fame rocker Jon Bon Jovi has played to packed arenas all over the world. He has "seen a million faces and [he’s] rocked them all." His band has sold over 120 million records. Bon Jovi is admired by millions around the world. But whom does Jon Bon Jovi admire? Florida Tennis caught up with Bon Jovi at the Miami Open and it turns out that the answer to that question is professional tennis players. Bon Jovi’s favorite players, “Oh several. Obviously, Carlito [Alcaraz], he would be right up there. And Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal] and Sascha [Zverev] are my top favorite guys.”

Above: Autograph of Jon Bon Jovi. Photo courtesy of Adam Ross / Florida Tennis.

And what is it that intrigues Jon Bon Jovi about tennis? "I love the athleticism. I can't get over the singular sport that it is. You know these guys are such incredible mental and physical specimens.” And how does playing tennis compare to playing rock and roll? "To have a match at any level and then lose, pack your bag and move on. That's tough, you know. And the time changes, it's not easy. Rock and roll at my level is a lot more luxurious than the hard work that these tennis guys go through.” As for playing tennis, he enjoys the game but it’s been no “Bed of Roses.” Bon Jovi’s assessment of his game, “I play religiously and I stink.” Bon Jovi was humble and gracious when Florida Tennis spoke with him at the Miami Open and there was only one way to say goodbye to this legendary rocker. Florida Tennis thanked Bon Jovi and told him to “Have A Nice Day”.

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Photos courtesy of David Adelson / Storms Media Group.

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Adam Ross is a contributing writer for Florida Tennis. He is a volunteer for the USTA Florida and the Vice-President of the Tennis Collectors of America/TCA. He welcomes your questions and comments at robinadam@comcast.net.