April 10, 2006
How do you feel about your performance so far this season?
Personally I feel that I have played some of my best tennis this season regardless of my win/loss record. I have been challenged because I started playing No. 1 singles in the middle of the season and there is a big difference in the players I have played at lower positions and the No. 1's I have played thus far. Every match I play at No. 1 makes me grow as a player and a person because I am constantly challenged by my opponents and myself. Every time I step out on the court I feel I become a better tennis player regardless if I win or lose. My challenge to myself is always to fight and do my best.
How do you feel about the team's performance so far this season?
This season obviously has not been the best season looking at our record but overall I look at this season as an experience. We have three great new additions to our team who I have grown to love as friends and teammates and I think it challenged everyone to play better tennis because now there are more players on the team. I feel like this season was and still is our transition season where we are all great talented players but have not come together as tennis players where everyone played their best tennis on one particular day. I think this season will teach us a lot for our upcoming seasons because we are that team right now that is working very hard and are determined to win.
You have moved around a lot in the singles lineup this year, is there a position that you prefer?
I have played at No. 4, No.3, No. 2, and No. 1 this year and it has been interesting. I love playing No. 1 because it brings out a player in me that I didn't even know about. Like I said, No. 1 challenges me more than any other position because I am playing among the best tennis players in the nation and I have to step up and show them that I am right there with them. So if I had to choose, I love playing number one.
Do you prefer playing singles or doubles, and why?
I used to love playing singles but I have grown to love playing doubles as well. I believe that no matter what I am playing, I have to go out there and play for my team, my doubles partner, and myself. Regardless if you are losing or winning go out there and fight.
What is your favorite aspect of tennis?
My favorite aspect of tennis is that even though you are playing for the team it is an individual sport. This sport challenges you mentally and physically and that is what I love about it. It helps you realize aspects of yourself that you maybe did not know about and I love that.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far this year?
My biggest accomplishment this season would be my fighting effort. I can't pinpoint a single win but I can say lately I have been fighting harder than I have in the past. I guess it took some time for me to realize that wins do not come if you do not put yourself out there 150%. I have had great wins where I went out there and put in 90%, but now I realize that 10% could've made it much easier to beat a certain player and save a lot of my time and energy for upcoming matches.
What goals do you have for the rest of this year?
For the rest of this year, I would like the team to finish strong and everyone to do their best and fight as hard as they can
What are your goals for the off-season and then your senior season next year?
My goals for the off-season are to be fit for the season and be ready to compete not only for two hours on the court but be fit enough to play a good six hours on the court. I know this may sound silly but if you're fit enough to play for five hours straight those two hours out there are not going to seem much to you and you will outlast your opponent.
For my final season at Missouri, I would like to make it to the NCAA Tournament as a team and finally help out the team as much as I can, not only as a tennis player but also as a friend, teammate, person, and as a senior.
By Andrew Shepler, Missouri Media Relations Student Assistant