Mr BioFile Interviews by Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: WTA world no. 12 in singles and no. 1 in doubles.
DOB: March 13, 2004 In: Delray Beach, Florida
First Tennis Memory: My first memory was when I played in Atlanta, it was when I was five or six years old and I was hitting against the garage as a hitting wall. And I used to get mad because I couldn’t hit more than two balls in a row [smiles].
Tennis Inspirations: Serena Williams. Because she fights. And she’s on top.
Last Book Read: I don’t know. I read a lot of books.
First Famous Tennis Player You Met Or Encountered: I believe it was Sloane Stephens actually. At my old academy.
First Job: The first money I ever made for myself was because of doing an airline TV commercial with Serena. I was her young stunt double (age 9 or 10).
Favorite Meal: Salmon.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookies and cream.
Greatest Career Moments: Winning French Open (juniors 2018). French Open finals in singles and doubles (2022).
Most Painful Moment: Any time I lose [smiles].
Favorite Tournament: No. Whichever. I’m competitive, so it doesn’t matter. It’s nice to play in the US. You definitely feel it with the fans and everything … People come out to support you. I remember even when I was playing qualies here when I was fourteen, obviously no one knew who I was, but I had so much crowd support in that match.
Funny Tennis Memory: I think when I was serving and I missed the whole entire ball [smiles]. At clay court nationals. There was a lot of people watching. The sun was in my eye while I was serving.
Strangest Match: I played a women’s open and I played against a lady that was like 35 years old. So it was weird. I was 12. So that was weird, playing someone so much older than you. (How did you do?) I won.
Favorite Sport Outside Tennis: Between basketball and track. I played basketball this year and planning to run track this year. (Which event?) I run 800 meters and 4 by 4 (400 relay). But this year I want to run 400 meters and 4×4.
Favorite Athletes To Watch: LeBron James. Serena Williams obviously. And I like Simone Biles from gymnastics.
People Qualities Most Admired: Kindness and respect. Seeing people that are respectful [smiles].
