Former Montreal Canadiens forward Lars Eller is pursuing a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL), but that does not stop him from continuing to devote himself to the activities of a sport that he particularly enjoys: tennis.
The 34-year-old veteran is a highly respected figure in the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room and as he turns 1,000 on January 27th. NHL game, his teammates had a special gift in store for him: a trip with four people to New York to play in the next US Open, including tickets to the Flushing Meadows facilities and hotel rooms.
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In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper, the Dane made no secret of his love for the yellow ball. His relationship with tennis began in his youth in Denmark and has not faded since.
“I loved it as a child. Me and my friends always watched the Wimbledon tournament in the summer. When it wasn't hockey, tennis was one of my summer pastimes. In addition to football and golf, I also played with friends. So I started very early,” he said.
Strong compatriots on the pitch
So it's hardly surprising that he follows the exploits of the world's best hitters. When he says he particularly admires Roger Federer, the hockey player really can't denigrate the achievements of players who marked his country's history, including former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki.
“[Chez les hommes] Holger Rune is a fellow Danish man, so I hope he is doing very well. It would be nice to see him stand out and go far. I think he has the potential. He also reached the quarterfinals of some Grand Slam tournaments,” said Eller.
Until his tennis trip to New York, the forward will try to help the Penguins qualify for the playoffs. This season he scored 17 points in 51 games as his team ranks 11th in the Eastern Association with 51 points.