In the wake of the destruction in Haiti, where a 7.0 earthquake has reportedly claimed more than 200,000 lives, IT spoke with former ATP pro Ronald Agenor, who rose as high as No. 22 in the world during a 23-year pro career in the ‘
80s and ‘90s. The son of a diplomat, Agenor was born in Morocco, but regularly represented Haiti in Davis Cup play, amassing a 39-9 record in 24 ties. A French Open quarterfinalist in ’89 (he was knocked out by eventual titlist Michael Chang), Agenor is married to former model Tonya Williams and lives in Beverly Hills, Calif.
INSIDE TENNIS: Can you describe your emotions when you heard the news of the earthquake in Haiti?
RONALD AGENOR: I couldn’t believe it. It was like a bad dream. Haiti? Earthquake? But I knew right away things were very bad when they told me that the Presidential Palace was destroyed. Then the first thing I thought was if my brother was okay and his family. I started screaming.
IT: Your family and friends were affected?
RA: I have a relative whose $1 million house was hit hard and a death occurred within his family. I lost some friends and also a lot of people I knew well. But my brother is okay. He was able to send my niece to Canada right after the earthquake.
IT: You’re the only member of your family not born in Haiti. Do you still feel a strong bond with that country?
RA: Haiti is a very special place. You don’t need to be born there or live there to feel connected. After I won the gold medal in the Central American Games in Cuba in 1982, I received an incredible welcome from the whole country. I am Haitian-American and I’m still connected to Haiti as much as the U.S.
IT: Such poverty exists in Haiti. Can you describe what the Haitian people are going through now having experienced such devastation?
RA: In 2007, it was my first return to Haiti since ’98. I started a sports project for the Haitian government and what I saw was beyond possible. People were still trying to survive on $3 to $4 per day. So just imagine today that the situation is worse.
IT: Have you been involved with any relief efforts?
RA: I couldn’t get to Haiti in a timely manner. You also need to be with a special organization. I have visited many hospitals outside of Haiti, where some victims were being treated. Their stories are heartbreaking. I’m planning a series of tennis exhibitions to help Haiti. Some ATP players have already shown support.
IT: What is the infrastructure like for tennis players in Haiti?
RA: You only have two or three country clubs for the wealthy people. Poor or middle-class people can’t afford to play. I had a plan to build a training center and have young kids train, study English, with the goal of getting a college scholarship in the U.S. Unfortunately, not too many people wanted to pursue the project.
