Alexander Slabinsky (born 6 March 1986) is a former professional tennis player who played under the flag of Great Britain. Slabinsky's career high ATP singles ranking was No. 266 (October 2008) and highest doubles ranking is No. 276 (May 2010), and has previously been ranked as the British Men's No.4 in 2008 and 2009.
Slabinsky played predominantly on the "Futures" and "Challengers" circuits. His favourite courts were hard and clay courts, but he did just as well on grass as he produced good form at both Wimbledon Championships and Queens ATP. He has a very strong serve, and gets a large amount of aces in matches. His serve is backed up by good ground strokes and he is solid from both sides. His usual doubles partner is Chris Eaton, another Brit. Alex trains at Roehampton NTC as part of the British Team together with Andy Murray, Alex Bogdanovic and James Ward.
Early life
Alex is originally from Ukraine, but moved to Britain with his family at the age of 10 to London. Alex started playing tennis in Ukraine at the age of 8. In the UK Globe LTC showed support for young Alex and gave him a complimentary membership at the club and a few hours with a professional coach, he is now a life member.
At 16 Slabinsky had knee surgery which took him out of tennis for over a year. When he recovered Sutton Tennis Academy let him train at the centre. Alex has played for the Sutton squad in every age group. His overall ambition, like most, was to play on the ATP tour regularly and reach the top 10.
Career
2007
Slabinsky played on the Futures tour for the most part of the year. Alex was given a wildcard into the main draw of the Shrewsbury Challenger, and took advantage of it. He beat Ladislav Chramosta 6–1, 6–3 before upsetting Richard Bloomfield 7–6(7–5), 7–6(7–5). He was stopped in his tracks in the quarter-finals by Frenchman David Guez 4–6, 4–6. In late December Alex won in the Nigeria F4 futures tournament, beating Cătălin Gârd 6–4, 6–3. Later that month he received the ITF World Player of the Month Award for his achievements in Africa. This was his second tournament win in his career, first coming in 2006 where he won a Satellite Event in Wrexham, UK.
2008
Alex made good progress being solid on both futures and challengers reaching the quarter-finals in most tournaments. Slabinsky made his ATP tour debut on 16 June 2008 when he played at the 2008 Nottingham Open against experienced American Vince Spadea but was beaten in straight sets 6–1, 7–5. Alex then played Queens ATP qualifying event where he defeated world number 59 Gilles Müller 7–6, 7–6, and only narrowly lost to world number 77 Danai Udomchoke 63 46 36. He was later awarded entry into the men's doubles tournament at the 2008 Wimbledon Championships, partnering Chris Eaton they were defeated in 1st round of the championships by the world number 1 pair Bob and Mike Bryan 5–7, 2–6, 4–6. Slabinsky reached the final of Sweden F2 Futures tournament before losing to Michael Ryderstedt 1–6, 4–6. Slabinsky suffered a lacklustre season after that as he moved up onto the more difficult Challenger Circuits and failed to win a single title, but still managed to increase his ranking by 68 places.
2009
At the start of the year Alex played in the Singles qualifying for the $75,000+H Challenger tournament held in Nouméa, New Caledonia. He qualified for the main draw by beating Mathieu Meyzen (6–0, 6–1), Matteo Marrai (6–4, 6–4), and Alexander Flock (6–3, 6–4). In the main draw, Alex overcame world number 211 Scoville Jenkins 5–7, 6–2, 6–4 to set up a match against compatriot Alex Bogdanovic in the second round. Despite losing 3–6, 5–7, Slabinsky's rank increased to 331 the subsequent week, nine places from the entry list cut off for the Australian Open qualifying tournament. Following a number of withdrawals Slabinsky was able to enter the Australian Open qualifying event. He lost in the first round of qualifying to Alexander Kudryavtsev 4–6, 0–6.
Slabinsky later participated at the Davis Cup playoffs for the tie against Ukraine. He missed out on a place in the team after losing a 5 set match to Joshua Goodall, who later played as the British Number 1 singles player following the withdrawal of Andy Murray.