The Odd Couple

Less than 100 feet away from one of the most competitive tennis tournaments in Seattle, middle-aged dirt bikers pop wheelies and soar over dirt jumps alongside excited fourth graders.

The unfamiliar scene symbolizes the unlikely partnership brewing on the Lower Woodland Park tennis court nearby. Both Mike Prineas and Jimmy "J.J." Jackson Jr. have had ups and downs in their lives. Both have used tennis to overcome life's obstacles.

Five years ago, Jackson was at home in Chapel Hill, N.C., nursing a severely broken wrist while Prineas gorged on "peanut butter and jelly diet" and ballooning to nearly 370 pounds. Today, their health has been restored and their tennis games rejuvenated as they compete as teammates for a chance to win the Seattle City Open doubles championship.

Prineas, 49, watched from the bleachers as his doubles partner, Jackson, 27, dominated an opponent, blanking him 6-0 in two sets to advance to the second round of singles.

He's old enough to be Jackson's father, and he sounded like a proud pop as he watched.

"I appreciate the fact that he plays with an old guy like me," Prineas said. "Nothing would make me prouder than to see him play pro again."

Off the court, Prineas and Jackson are opposites, but on the court their games complement each other's. Prineas has a rugged, yet authoritative aura about himself. Jackson seems smooth and laid back. Jackson is clean-cut. Prineas lets his hair do its own thing. Prineas can be a trash-talker on the court. Jackson lets his game speak for itself.

Their roots are as different as their personalities. At the age of 10, Jackson moved from Chapel Hill to a tennis academy in Hendersonville, N.C., where he refined his skills and attended school.

By the age of 12, Jackson was ranked No. 3 by the U.S. Tennis Association for his age group. At 14, he was ranked No. 1 briefly and considered one of the best young male players in the country. At 18, Jackson signed a contract with Fila and Advantage International Management. As a member of the U.S. National Junior Team, Jackson traveled worldwide, competing as a junior in the French, U.S. and Australian opens. Jackson was ranked No. 10 in the world in singles and No. 1 in doubles.

"I missed my prom, because I was always on the road," Jackson said.

Prineas, by contrast, was born raised in Seattle's Central District, went to his prom and never had an organized tennis lesson in his life.

His father, Dr. Manoell Prineas, taught him about the game. "He'd bring me books and I'd try to emulate what I saw," said Mike Prineas.

After winning the Metro League title in tennis at Garfield as a sophomore, he played tennis for three years at Seattle University, where he was named the outstanding athlete in 1972. After graduating in 1974, Prineas joined the ATP Tour, playing in the French, U.S. and Australian opens.

Unexpectedly, Prineas and Jackson left the sport that defined their lives. At 22, Jackson broke his left wrist playing a pick-up game of football with friends. When Jackson learned he would have to wear a cast for 14 weeks, he put down his racquet.

"I just got burned out," said Jackson. "I just stopped enjoying it."

Two years ago, former Sonics forward Dale Ellis summoned Jackson to be a personal tennis instructor for his teenage daughter. Jackson has been living in Bellevue ever since.

For Prineas, a broken engagement left him depressed, reaching for Big Macs instead of his racquet. The fast food and unhealthy lifestyle raised his blood pressure and weight.

"I let myself go," Prineas said. "I really loved that woman, but I learned sometimes you've got to move on in life."

Prineas abandoned his tennis career and established himself in the restaurant and nightclub businesses in Seattle. Ashamed to go out in public, Prineas routinely showed up to his clubs wearing sweatsuits to hide his weight.

Diabetes forced him to seek medical help. In February 2000, at the age of 48, Prineas' physician gave him an ultimatum. "Either you die, or do something about it," the doctor said.

The 6-foot-2 Prineas underwent gastric-bypass surgery, dropping from 370 pounds to 200.

Mutual friends introduced Prineas to Jackson 1-1/2 years ago. Although Mike Prineas is old enough to be J.J Jackson's father, the two play like brothers on the court. "Playing with J.J. is like déjà vu," Prineas said. "Back when I used to play with my old man, I used to carry him, and now he's (J.J.) carrying me."

Last October, Prineas and Jackson carried each other, beating Doug Blik and Mike Walter in three sets at the Seattle Tennis Center's Amy Yee Tournament. The match marked Prineas' first competition in eight years, and his first alongside Jackson.

After most thought Prineas was washed up and Jackson would never reach his potential, the unlikely partners try to continue their triumphant comeback this week.

Last night, Prineas and Jackson beat Blik and Walter again to move into tonight's quarterfinals at Lower Woodland.