What's your favorite sport to watch?
Basketball, because the tempo is so upbeat, it's pretty exciting throughout the whole game. There aren't too many breaks and it's not too long of an event. I like watching tennis too, but I hated it when I was younger and now as I improve in tennis, I begin to appreciate what the professionals are able to do so I enjoy watching it more than I used to.
Food you couldn't live without?
Probably pasta, just because I try to do a little carbohydrate loading before a tournament or a match, and it's usually done with pasta. So without pasta, it would be pretty tough.
Place you would most like to visit?
I don't know. I've traveled a lot and I've been to a lot of places. Maybe somewhere like Australia because it's on the other side of the world and I've never gotten that far. I was supposed to go to New Zealand but I go hurt and so I wouldn't mind going somewhere real far away. Either that or an exotic island somewhere. I can't even think of one, but just a place that is peaceful and relaxing.
Favorite hobbies or activities?
I like playing golf, it's a relaxing break from tennis. It a really relaxing way to spend a weekend afternoon. I like just hanging out because it's so hectic playing tennis and training. So when I do get a day off, I try and take advantage of it and enjoy the time off.
As a child, what job did you most want to have?
I don't really know. I guess just being a professional tennis player. I've never worked before because even during summer, I'd always play in tournaments. I guess my goal has always been to stay away from a "real job" as long as possible. Not that tennis isn't a real job, but I mean more like a desk job. If I'm able to do that, I'd be happy. But once I'm done playing tennis, then I'll have to suck it up and go to work.
Sport you would play if you weren't playing tennis?
Probably baseball. I really liked playing baseball when I was younger and I was pretty good at it. I used to play basketball and soccer, I would race-ski, box, and swim. I played all the sports but eventually each year I would have to drop one, and I regretted doing that, but those are some of the choices you have to make.
Famous person you'd most like to meet?
I don't really know. I've met a lot of people and I've been fortunate to go to a few AIDS benefits where I've met a lot of famous people. I've met Robin Williams, Danny DeVito, Kevin Costner, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Dustin Hoffman, and Magic Johnson. I can't really think of anyone that I'd love to meet.
Best movie you've seen lately? Movie you'd like to watch?
I haven't been to the movies lately. The last movie I saw was "Man on the Moon", it was pretty good but that's the only movie I've seen in the last four months in the movie theatre. There are a lot of movies I'd like to see, like "The Green Mile"
Favorite tennis player?
It was John McEnroe when I was growing up. I loved watching him play and his antics on the court were entertaining to watch. Now I don't really have a favorite tennis player but I like watching Andre Agassi.
Do you do anything to prepare for a match?
Other than warming up, I don't do any mental preparation. My biggest thing is to eat before the match. The other guys give me a lot of grief because I have a really high metabolism. If I don't eat, I'll run out of energy while I play and I've cramped because I don't have anything in my system.
Favorite surface to play on?
I like playing on clay, it's fun and you slide a lot. But I have had success on grass too. It's a totally different game on the different surfaces. I like playing on all surfaces, but if I had to choose a surface I'd probably choose clay.
Do you prefer playing singles or doubles?
I like playing both. There are definitely advantages to playing both. In singles it's all on you. You have no one else to depend on so you have to come through for yourself in the match. But I also like doubles because you have a teammate and it takes a little bit of the pressure off you. It's a little more relaxing and you feel like you have someone there to help you out.
What tournament would you most want to win?
Either Wimbledon or the U.S. Open. The U.S. Open because it's in America and growing up you see Pete Sampras winning it. So growing up, you dream of the moment when you win it?
Most exciting moment in tennis?
Individual moments, probably when I won the National Indoors. It was my only national title as a junior so it was a good accomplishment. Teamwise, rallying back and being able to win the National Indoors during the past two years at UCLA.
How do you view your role as senior co-captain?
I feel it's a pretty important role. This is my fifth year here so I've experienced a lot and I've had to work my way up the line-up. I know how the guys are feeling.
Best lesson you've learned in college?
To persevere through everything. I got hurt my freshman year and it was tough having to sit on the sidelines, watch everyone play, and not be able to do anything about it. To keep working hard because it will pay off in the long run.
What are your plans after UCLA?
I hope to try the professional circuit for awhile and give it a real shot. If I'm successful I'll continue to do it. If not, I'll either go back to grad school to get an MBA or I'll get job.
|
