Is it intimidating to step onto the court with players who have reputations for being tough?
I take every match as it comes, do the very best that I can do and hope it is good enough. I don’t worry much about the opponent.

How do you prepare for a match?
For each match, I hope to be fit, rested, injury-free and motivated to win.

What was going through your head directly after your accident with the steel post?
I was initially terrified and very concerned about how bad I might have hurt myself.  I couldn’t breathe.  I had to just hope for the best.  I learned from the doctors that I came very close to being paralyzed.

How did life change for you after that incident?
I learned to appreciate everything more.  We take so many things for granted but when you are confronted with how much worse things could be it forces you to slow down and appreciate what you have.

What’s been the greatest moment of your career so far?
Representing my country in the Davis Cup for the first time and winning my first tournament in Washington DC would have to go down as two memorable moments in my career.

When did you know that tennis was going to be a career for you?
When I got to a point where I didn’t feel like I could improve much more at the collegiate level and there was a strong enough sponsor interest that I could leave college and be in a position financially to return.

Which type of court do you prefer and why?
Hard courts are my favorite surface. Growing up in America, this is the surface of the US Open and almost all the major US tournaments.

How do you get other people to believe and support you?
I treat people with respect, whether I win or lose; I work hard, play hard and remember that this is a sport.

What do you do to relax?
I read, play online poker and spend time with my friends.