When Chris Parkes played tennis in his hometown of Southport, England, he was used to seeing his little brother cheer for him on the sidelines.
Fast forward a few years later, and the Parkes brothers cheer for each other on and off the court as UNM tennis players.
"It's always nice to have a family member around, especially when you are this far away from home," Johnny Parkes said. "My first year I was here, I got a bit homesick my first semester, but having your brother around just gives you a bit of security."
Teammate Joe Wood played tennis with Johnny in England as a Millfield Beaver.
He said the brothers' close relationship helps boost their play.
"I think although they are brothers, they are teammates and friends - good friends," he said. "Chris is always looking after Johnny, and they are always helping each other. They help each other out, and I think they do a really good job."
The brothers said adapting to New Mexico wasn't difficult, but the biggest challenge the two have faced is getting used to the difference in the game.
"Tennis in England - especially how I approach it - you just get on with your tennis match," Chris said. "Whereas here, there are more people trying to get in your head. People are basically trying to cheat in a way."
The sport is more competitive in the U.S., and there is more pressure to win from coaches, Johnny said.
He was the first to join the team, in 2005. Chris joined the following year after two years at the University of Bath in England, where he helped the tennis team win the University Cup and League Championship, which is the equivalent to a U.S. national championship.
Chris said he would not have come to UNM without his brother's persuasion.
"I wouldn't be out here if it wasn't for him," Chris said. "We are very close to one another"
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Johnny was named last week's Mountain West Conference Player of the Week after he won two singles victories, 7-6 and 6-3, and won all three of his doubles matches with his brother.
Chris said his brother has worked hard and is proud of his being honored.
"He deserved it, to be honest," Chris said. "He played well last weekend, and he won all of his singles. There was no reason for him not to get it, so good on him. Good on the little man."
But the love between brothers doesn't go without a few playful jabs, UNM head coach Alan Dils said.
"They certainly fight like brothers," he said. "But they make up like brothers, too. It usually happens three or four times a year. They get under each other's skin."
The Parkes brothers bring their own distinct qualities to the team, Dils said.
"They are definitely different personalities," he said. "Johnny is tenacious and more outgoing and has a higher energy level, and Chris is definitely more laid-back. Chris is also very settled mentally on the tennis court whereas Johnny can be rattled more easily than Chris."
Because the brothers have different personalities, they can help balance each other on the court, Dils said.
"This can work really well in doubles because Chris can provide that stability while Johnny can create that excitement," he said. "They kind of work to even each other out."
Johnny said he and his brother communicate well on the court.
"They say when opposites attract, you can come out with a better formula," he said. "I guess that is what happens to us sometimes - most of the time. If I get a little bit too worked up, he is there to calm me down, and if he is a little bit too calm, too relaxed, I'm there to get him psyched up. It works well in that respect."
Men's tennis vs. Utah
Friday, 1:30 p.m.
UNM Tennis Complex
