Steve Johnson is the fourth-best American in men’s tennis. Here is what he usually looks like.
Johnson is now ranked No. 46 and in his five-year career had never beaten anyone ranked higher than No. 10. Today at the Japan Open, he defeated world No. 7 Dominic Thiem, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4, thanks in part to some soft-handed guile:
You also have to wonder if presenting as Luigi had anything to do with Johnson’s success.
Steve Johnson also wore a mustache this time last year. This year, due to hat and color scheme, he looks like Luigi.
Steve Johnson uses a much more aggressive Western grip than Luigi, but looks like him.
Congrats to Steve.