Robby Ginepri
A hard-nosed American baseliner who stormed to a stunning US Open semifinal run, embodying the grit of tennis's pre-power era.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American tennis player·Birthday: October 7·Millennials
Biography
Robby Ginepri arrived on the tennis scene with a classic, no-frills American game built on relentless groundstrokes and fitness. In an era increasingly dominated by serve-bots and flashy shot-makers, his success was a testament to old-school grit. His career peaked in the dramatic summer of 2005. Seeded 15th at the US Open, he embarked on a marathon run, winning three consecutive five-set matches—a feat of endurance that captured the Flushing Meadows crowd. He finally fell to Andre Agassi in another epic five-set semifinal, a match that stretched past midnight. That year, he broke into the world's top 15. While injuries and consistency challenges prevented him from maintaining that altitude, his three ATP titles and that unforgettable New York fortnight secured his place as a formidable and respected competitor of his generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Robby was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Robby Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Robby's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached the semifinals of the 2005 US Open, defeating higher-seeded players in three consecutive five-set matches to get there.
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 15 in December 2005.
- Won three ATP Tour singles titles in Newport (2003), Indianapolis (2005), and Houston (2009).
- Represented the United States in Davis Cup competition in 2004.
Did You Know?
He was a standout junior player, winning the USTA Boys' 18s National Championship in 2000.
He is an accomplished golfer and has participated in celebrity golf tournaments.
His marathon third-round victory at the 2005 US Open over Tommy Haas lasted 4 hours and 44 minutes.
He worked as a tennis commentator for the Tennis Channel after retiring from professional play.
“I got to the US Open semifinal by outworking guys from the baseline.”
