I just met Shuzo Matzuoka at the Manhattan Plaza Racket Club. He was training his son with coach Bob Brett.
I remember meeting Shuzo when I was 10 years old. I have very vivid memories o him coming off the court with my coach Alvaro Betancur in Saddlebrook. He would smile down at me, make small talk with my father and one time I got to show him my forehand. He was such a role model to me. The way an athlete and gentleman should be, so poised, polite and humble. Its no wonder my obsession with Japanese culture started with that interaction.
16 years later, doubting he’d remember me I said hello. “Didnt I meet you in Saddlebrook?” he asked? I was so touched I jumped and hugged him (oops). He remembered Shikha didi, Vivek bhaiya and my Dad. I could not believe it. I almost cried. We took a photo. Thank you Shuzo for being an amazing athlete and role model. Thank you for being the epitome of a succesful man with humility.
