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SALT LAKE CITY — Gordon Hayward turned down a spot on Team USA for the Summer Olympics in Rio.
Of the missed call-up, he has no regrets because his wife Robyn gave birth to the couple’s second child in July.
Besides, he is keeping plenty busy.
This week, Hayward picked up the tennis racquet again and finished the Of Love tennis tournament with a 6-4, 7-6 win over Scott Ward of Spanish Fork in the title match to help raise money for juvenile diabetes research.
“Basketball is my passion and my love, but anytime I can, I’ll do it,” Hayward said of his tennis game.
The title match was a dream come true for his opponent, no matter the result.
“It’s kind of an opportunity of a lifetime to play someone like that,” Ward said. “He’s a great guy, coming out here to support the charity.”
Hayward’s motivation for the tournament was helping a good cause, but no matter the stage, he loves to compete and win.
“Whether it’s tennis, video games, basketball, board games at home, I’m always trying to win,” he said.
His competitiveness for basketball hasn’t waned, though.
“I was at the gym at 8 every morning this week,” Hayward said.
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“It’s coming fast. I can’t believe it’s already August,” he said. “We made some changes this offseason, and I think it’s going to be really exciting.”
