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2008-10-27 10:43:56
In the world of professional tennis, the chance to bask in the glow of the spotlight is typically reserved for the ATP's most elite. After another standout performance in Basel on finals Sunday, I wanted to give Team DdV's favourite chair umpire an opportunity to shine.
Many capable chair umpires are employed by the ATP, but only one of them reigns supreme. Only one of them commands our utmost respect, possessing the ability to make our collective hearts skip a beat. Held in the highest regard by peers and players alike, and affectionately nicknamed, "Mo," by all who know and love him, Mohamed Lahyani occupies the top spot on our list.
Christened the "voice of the ATP tour," the Moroccan-born Lahyani enjoys a level of deference and devotion normally associated with a tennis superstar, not a chair umpire. World-renowned for his calm on-court demeanour, special style and infectious charm, Mo has deftly crafted his own brand of celebrity after many successful years spent on the ATP tour.
In addition to his unmatched ability as a tennis official, this affable Swedish import, and later, Spanish export, brings his unique blend of entertainment and personality to each and every match he oversees.
During our travels this past summer, Team DdV asked countless tennis fans and tournament goers one question:
What's the secret of Mo's Mo-jo?
The list of compliments we received upon Mo's behalf were endless, as diverse as the collection of people who uttered them. Some tennis fans cited his firm, but impartial and unbiased officiating style, while others praised his complete command of multiple languages, making for effortless communication between chair umpire and player during matches.
Not surprisingly, Mo earned high marks from the female tennis fans as well, many of whom gushed over the superstar umpire's exotic good looks.
More Mo:
Travel plans: born in Morocco, grew up in Uppsala, Sweden
Family man: resides in Spain with his wife and daughter
Tour tenure: the most respected and decorated official in tennis, with over 20 years of service
International itinerary: granted international work and travel in 1991
Rising star: chosen to umpire the 1992 Olympic games in Barcelona
Grandslam debut: Wimbledon 1993
Mo goes gold: awarded the highest official's position on the ATP tour in 1997
Noteworthy:
Special Mo blind item: Which uber famous player is responsible for this quote from The Times?
"I have my favourites (umpires). He is Swedish with Moroccan origins".
Having earned the admiration and affection of tennis professionals and fans the world over, Mohamed Lahyani is truly a credit to his craft. Way to go, Mo!
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Nice to see you again, Ms. Murray. Your namesake is doing quite well I see- going for a fourth title, if I'm not mistaken? Very nice.
Mr. Ramos is better looking then the majority of the entire ATP, I completely agree. Since he is the unofficial "official" #1, I thought it appropriate for him to be featured at the end of the year.
So much pretty on this tour- who knew some of it would be siting on the sidelines! :)
DdV , 10/27/08 3:05 PM
Blind Item is Rafa's quote
mero , 10/27/08 9:37 PM
I always get carried away by his sunny disposition.
milivice , 10/27/08 10:51 PM
Lars Graff. Dark side of the moon.
milivice , 10/27/08 11:11 PM
Carlos is the looker of the lot, but MoLa is the bee's knees. The teddy is right precious, dear.
RocketQueen , 10/28/08 12:32 AM
What a chair umpire, he's great, such a positive attitude always with smile, have impression he's very good man, all the best...
gordana , 10/28/08 2:00 PM
good man who don't play favorites. :D i like this guy.
elle , 10/28/08 3:26 PM
Legend. There's no other way to say it.
RickyDimon , 10/28/08 5:54 PM
Classy.
lyta1138 , 10/28/08 6:20 PM
thanks for this nice surprise ms murray! i heart lahyani, just life rafa, he's my fave... next is carlos ramos... not into older men but dayum, i like him!
mLina , 10/30/08 1:13 PM
oh goodness, my bad, its supposed to read "team DdV"... dont be mad team! i heart u guys...
mLina , 10/30/08 1:20 PM
Dani DeVine brings you the lighter side of the ATP. Comment or concerns? Contact Dani at dani.devine [AT] tennistalk.com...
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I know the answer to the blind item. :D I would also like to nominate Carlos Ramos for "other favorite chair umpire"...because frankly, it isn't often that the chair umpire is hotter than the players, but Ramos is delish.
cherylmurray , 10/27/08 12:33 PM