Serving Notice In A Big Way

These trials were minor compared with Hooper's eye ailment. As a child he developed a condition called pterygium, which is an unsightly overgrowth of tissue on the cornea thought to be caused by excessive exposure to wind, dust and sunlight. Tennis, anyone? Eventually, the pterygium grew to the point where it hindered his vision, not to mention his appearance. But two operations on his eyes, one in December 1980 and another last October, seem to have eliminated the disability.

As for his being one of the few blacks playing pro tennis, Hooper is shrugging and reflective. "The computer doesn't judge according to who's Italian or Indian or whatever," he says. "And people have been pretty genuine. If I ever have the chance to help other black players, it's only fair that I do so. I don't know if I'll inspire other blacks to play, but I might inspire bigger athletes. Imagine what a 6'9" Magic Johnson-type could do on a tennis court."

Right now a lot of pros are finding the play of a 6'6" Hooper-type mind-boggling enough.