Gordon Asciak was born on 2 May 1962. He is married to Helen nee’ Degiorgio and has two children, Gordon and Matthew.

He was brought up in Hamrun and he recalls how were his early days. “We lived just 30 metres away from Hamrun’s Lyceum. We used to play a lot of games in the streets, it was customary those days. And also football in the school ground. I also played for Melita’s Under 14 and concurrently practised tennis. Dad one day called me and told me that Floriana were showing interest in me and I was very excited about the prospect of teaming up with one of the best teams on the island. But it wasn’t to be, since just a week after, I twisted my ankle while playing at St Aloysius College and that was it. So I put all my resources on tennis.”

Gordon completed Primary School at  St Joseph School, Blata l-Bajda but had to move on to another school since Secondary School was only reserved for female students. “I sat and passed the De La Salle and St Aloysius entrance examinations and chose the latter. At Form 3 I attended for just one year High School, Ojai, USA and consequently I got a scholarship at St Diego State University where I stayed for two years. From there on I started playing professional tennis.”

But how did his interest in Tennis start and why not billiards being the son of one of the all-time top players, Wilfred. “My dad was the Maltese champion for 17 years. At that time billiards and snookers were played at various band and political clubs across the island. Since he wasn’t keen that we will be brought up in this environment he kept us away from the game that he loved so much. But as regards tennis my parents used to frequent Marsa Sports Club and I always took hold of a racket and tried to play from a tender age. And once holding a tennis racket I was convinced that it was my sport.”

Gordon started playing tennis at the age of nine when Gordon Mudge, an English coach, formed a Junior’s team. “From the age of 10 I took part in numerous junior tournaments in the UK and won many prestigious tournaments. The results gave me the right to represent Malta at Junior Wimbledon in 1979. At 16 an American coach was here in Malta and I played against him. After the match he approached my dad floating the possibility that I should try and seek a scholarship in the States. I went there for a month and took part in a couple of tournaments achieving very good results and stayed there for two years.”

“From the year 1984 until 1998 I played in the German league with TC Hof and won 104 matches from a total of 112 matches. During those 14 years, I was twice voted as the best doubles’ player in the Upper Bavarian Region. It was a wonderful time with tennis being at its peak having Boris Becker just winning Wimbledon.”

Years that brought the good and the bad moments. “Let’s start with the bad times. Obviously injuries are the enemy of every sportsman. When I had a slipped disc at the age of 28 and had to be away from the game for a nine-month rehabilitation was very difficult. Especially when my doctor told me that he wasn’t sure if I would play again. Injuries aside, back on the pitch I think the most heartbreaking moments were when we lost back-to-back matches against Turkey in the Davis Cup, two tight shave matches which we lost by the odd set in five.”

“Turning to more bright moments − winning Gold in front of Maltese supporters in the first GSSE Games held in Malta in 1993 was an extraordinary achievement. Other particular moments were the Junior Wimbledon and beating the number one Yugoslav player of the time, Lekovic. Let’s remember at that time Yugoslavia consisted of Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia and Slovenia. So it was something out of this world beating him in the Under 18 European Championships held in Nice.”

From the sport that he loves so much Gordon found his forever love, his wife Helen, another top tennis player. How influential was she? “Being married to a tennis player is quite a great help. We used to train together − I remember not playing full court since she would not have coped giving the difference that exists between a male and female player. And her help was indispensable especially giving me tips on certain opponents. She was another coach and mentor for me. It’s always a plus.”

Gordon was a dominant Maltese champion for 13 consecutive years from 1978 to 1991. Was it easy or did Asciak feel invincible? “Not at all! I had Chris Gatt and Mark Schembri during my time and both had won occasionally against me and even the Malta Open was more competitive also with the participation of foreign players. I never thought that I was invincible or too good for the others.”

Asciak has been inducted in the Maltese Olympic Committee’s Hall of Fame, reserved for outstanding athletes. The Malta Tennis Federation nominated Asciak for his outstanding career and contribution in the field of Tennis. How important is this for a person of Asciak’s stature? “When you win such a honour you feel that all the sacrifices that you did along the years are being appreciated by the highest sports body, the Malta Olympic Committee. Incidentally Helen made it before me and has also got the state’s highest honour, Ġieħ ir-Repubblika. But yes it is something that wraps up my entire career.”

In the Small Nations Games, Asciak won the gold medal in Malta in 1993, the silver medal in 1995 at Luxembourg, the bronze medal in Liechtenstein in 1999 and in 2001 at San Marino. Gordon describes his GSSE moments particularly the 1993 success. “I had to retire from the Singles Tournament since I had fever. There were moments when I thought that even the Doubles was going to fade out. But I gave it all and we won the first round against Monaco, semi-final against Andorra and then came the final against Luxembourg. I remember telling Chris Gatt that we have to go out from the court with our heads held high and send the Maltese supporters happy. And that’s what we did though it was tough.”

Nowadays Gordon is busy with his baby, the Tennis Academy. “I’ve been into coaching for the past 38 years. With the academy we’re very busy having over 350 children. We’ve got the only two indoor courts on the island. It is something that you’re always discovering new talent. In fact we have produced most of Malta’s top players. Helen Pellicano was discovered by us, Francesca Curmi was also brought up by us.

But how does he see the future of tennis. “To make the great is very tough. I always give my young players the same advice. Enjoy the Junior years because getting into professional tennis is a different preposition. You need a lot of money, travelling, sacrifice and more. But having said this you have to believe and keep on trying. Yes we have got between eight to 10 players who will eventually jump the hurdle. But you have to be a horse and a half to make it.”

His son Matthew is following in his parent’s footsteps and is now a dominant force in tennis. “Matthew started playing football with Melita. But I was convinced that it wasn’t his sport since he seemed to struggle and didn’t shine. Obviously being with me and Helen he used to practise tennis. When he started participating in tournaments and even abroad it transpired that he was heading for a good career. I remember that as parents we used to push him hard even when weather conditions weren’t favourable. I’m happy that he broke my record of the youngest Malta champion and also that he became the first player in having won a Singles GSSE medal. It is important to note that together, as a father and son, we made a first to ever play a Davis Cup match in year 1999.  But most importantly is that he is doing what he’s happy and good at.”

Turning on a personal side Gordon expresses his feelings about family life. “It is important that everyone remains happy, the calmer the situation, the more serene the atmosphere will be. For the upbringing of children this is very important. I consider myself very lucky since I enjoyed a united family life.”

Gordon’s favourite food is Mexican. “I used to eat it a lot in the States but unfortunately you don’t find it so much in Malta.’ Asked about his favourite destination, he chose Munich.” When I was in Germany after every league match, before coming back to Malta, I used to pass two nights over there. I love the place. It’s marvellous.”

Apart from tennis, which is his life, Gordon has got no particular hobbies. He loves watching football mostly and his favourite team is Manchester United.

But one final advice from Gordon to the present and future generation: “Involve yourself in sports because it keeps you away from bad things. It’s not important if you’ll be a champion or not. It doesn’t mean that if you’re not good at something you give up. Sport helps in all aspects. Look after your body and avoid bad company and places.”