“I like to hear the sound of the ball cracking off the racket.”

Many of you know John Hauk as a hard-hitting competitor. Not only is the Centerville, Ohio-based salon owner a regular fixture on NAILS’ Top 25 Competitors Ranking, he often claims the limelight in his role as Technical Advisor for OPI. All that focus, drive, and enthusiasm also serves Hauk well on the tennis court.

A member of the United States Tennis Association, Hauk plays regularly in league play. In 2006, his skill and passion helped lead his Greater Miami Valley Tennis Association team to victory in singles and doubles. “I like to hear the sound of the ball cracking off the racket when it is struck just right,” he says.

Despite his hectic work and travel schedule, most weeks he manages to put in about 14 hours training. In fact, his time on the court provides stress relief and lends balance to his life. “Tennis allows me to really get up and move,” says Hauk. “It balances all that time sitting on long flights, in competitions, demoing at shows, making videos for OPI, and at home in the salon.”

His strengths on the court are fast footwork, a powerful ground stroke, and a fierce drop shot. Did we mention his serve? He’s been known to intimidate opponents with a 125 m.p.h. or better first serve. “I like to train with a radar gun; it helps me to know where I am,” he says.

A player since age 7, Hauk has passed his love of the game on to his 8-year-old daughter Nikki.

He even made a half-size tennis court for her to train on in the basement of their home.

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