Tennis Maryland was thrilled to sit down with Alison Riske, currently ranked #114 in the world. She has rapidly improved from her debut at #895 in 2009. The 21-year old Keystone State native was raised little more than a river-crossing away from Western Maryland. She is way ahead of her time and shared her thoughts with us at CitiOpen in College Park on Sunday.
TM: When did you start playing tennis?
AR: I started when I was three.
TM: Were your parents tennis professionals?
AR: They played tennis for fun, but my older sister and brother, they both played a lot and once I came along I had no choice. And I honestly didn’t like the game of tennis at first.
TM: So did you play on public courts or was your family a member of a tennis club at that time?
AR: Yes, they were local courts. I had a couple of coaches growing up in the area. So like I said, I wasn’t a fan of tennis at first.
TM: Were you a fan of some other sport at first?
AR: I would have definitely been a cheerleader if I could have, but Dad would not allow that.
TM: What do your parents do?
AR: My father is retired. He was with the Secret Service.
TM: He came to DC a lot?
AR: He was in DC, California, Colorado, he kind of followed the Presidents around.
TM: He served under which Presidents? You do know this is a DC area interview.
AR: He served under about 4 – Clinton, Bush Sr., Ford and Reagan.
TM: W also?
AR: Yes.
TM: What did mom do?
AR: Mom was a teacher. She’s retired as well. So she travelled with me.
TM: Were either of your parents athletic champions?
AR: No, my dad was always into athletics and he was a Marine so he definitely was into the physical fitness aspect of things.
TM: So he was like ‘American Dad’?
AR: Exactly, intense.
TM: Or maybe Robert DeNiro in Meet the Fockers?
AR: That’s him. That’s my dad.
TM: Can I quote you on that? That’s going to scare off all potential suitors for you.
AR: Everyone knows, it’s just a known fact. So that’s okay.
TM: What do you think of Quickstart tennis?
AR: It’s awesome, because the coach I worked with on Hilton Head (SC) and his wife have kids and started a Quickstart program. So, I see these kids and the way they strike the ball. It is just honestly like Federer in the making. It’s amazing how their strokes look so smooth. I mean, they are playing so well for being so young. I think it’s a great step-ladder for the kids.
TM: What do you think is the best time to start playing with regulation balls and a regulation net if you want to be a champion?
AR: I did it the conventional way. I started with a hard ball. Quick start wasn’t offered then. Actually, that’s a lie. I did start with sponge balls that I hit on the coffee table.
TM: What’s your greatest victory over an opponent?
AR: Greatest victory…there have been a lot. Some were even though I lost. Like when I played Zvonareva at Wimbledon, even though I lost, it sounds so cheesy, but it was kind of a victory for me. I felt like I overcame a lot of things in that match. I finished better than I started, which I thought was big on such a stage against such an accomplished player. So I think that was big for me. I feel like every match, when you win, it’s a big deal.
TM: You beat Yanina Wickmayer last year, isn’t that right?
AR: Yes, in Birmingham.
TM: What do you think of her style of play?
AR: I am really impressed with Wickmayer and I’ve witnessed her at other tournaments and the way she trains. You know, you can definitely see she’s training for the future. She’s out there on the courts and then she’s in there in the gym, and there’s no wasting time with her. I think it’s reflected in how well she does.
TM: Petra Kvitova. Are you inspired by her ascent into the top ten?
AR: She seems like a nice person. The way she plays, I’m absolutely a fan. I love that she takes things early and goes for it. She’s the kind of player I look up to and try to take things from. I think she’s doing a great job.
TM: So you left Vandy (Vanderbilt University)?
AR: I actually never made it to Vandy. I signed, but 2 weeks before, I decided to forego that.
TM: Is this a rough life for someone your age?
AR: Honestly, I’m so lucky to be doing it. Like everything else, you have hard times. The juggling the ups and downs is the number one thing that could be considered the tough part of this job, but other than that, we really are living the life.
TM: What’s on your Ipod?
AR: I haven’t added a new song to my Ipod in 3 years. I’ve got everything from Barry White, Dave Matthews Band, Rob Thomas. I mean, it’s just a whole lot of craziness.
TM: What’s your favorite food in PA?
AR: We have Primanti Brothers sandwiches and pierogies.
TM: And cheese steaks?
AR: We don’t talk about the cheese steaks.
TM: Your teams are the Pirates and the Steelers?
AR: And Penguins, oh yeah.
TM: I’m a Ravens fan.
AR: This interview is over. I’m done interviewing.
TM: The Steelers break our hearts every year.
AR: They (Ravens) always come so close.