Tennis Atlantic

Glenys Furness Interviews nearly top 200 British/Australian player Brydan Klein
Glenys Furness for Tennis Atlantic

Brydan Klein is the current British number 6 and is close to breaking into the top 200 on the ATP rankings. Born in Australia (his mother is British) he has made great strides lately that sees him on the cusp of this very achievable landmark. Currently he is in Mexico playing a couple of tournaments in South America on the clay, to warm up before the clay season starts in earnest. He took time out of his schedule to talk to me on behalf of Tennis Atlantic. We chat about Davis Cup, Slams, goals and inspirations.

Thank you to Brydan for taking time out for this interview.

(Glenys) How could does it feel to be on the cusp of breaking into the top 200?

(Brydan) “I’m very excited about breaking back into the top 200. I am only a couple of wins away at challenger level at the moment. hopefully I can move well inside the top 200 by Wimbledon time while I’m not defending any points. I’m also excited that with my current ranking I have guaranteed a place in all 3 remaining grand slams of the year (Qualies at least) so I’m looking forward to playing those big events.”

As this happened fairly recently what do you think of Aljaz Bedene’s decision to switch nationality to British?

“I don’t have much comment on Bedene’s switch as I don’t know the ins and outs of the switch politically. I do believe if he has the right to make the switch and it is in his best interest then it is a positive thing for him and British tennis. As many people may know, It isn’t easy being a travelling tennis if you are not at the very top of the sport. Every player needs to do what is best for themselves to excel their career. So I support Aljaz if he believes it will benefit him. I also heard he will be fighting against the new Davis cup rule to become eligible so good luck to him with that.”

What are your goals for this year?

“My goals this year are to at least rise my ranking to the top 150 singles by year end and top 100 doubles. I would also love to qualify for one of the 3 remaining slams and have my ranking in a position to potentially play Davis cup. Another goal is to hit the grass season ranked under 175 (174 being my previous best)”

What do you feel is your best surface?

“I feel my best surface is hard court, although I did grow up competing on grass from a young age so I feel i have potential to be dangerous on the green stuff. Clay is my least preferred surface purely because I haven’t set foot on it much. I have won a few futures titles on clay and doubles challengers so I am not utterly useless on it”

What do you believe to be your best match ever and why?

“My best match ever would have to be winning my first round in Australian open a few years back against Bjorn Phau. Purely because it was a grand slam match and I sustained a very high level over 4 sets. It was extremely enjoyable to play and win at that level in one of the biggest events in the world.”

Who has been your inspiration?

“My inspiration has always been my family and girlfriend. I’m probably repeating every sportsman in history but the best feeling in the world is making your family proud. As of late all the players who have cracked into the top 100 for the first time in their late twenties inspire me as that is what I’m looking to do having just turned 25.”

What do you like to do when not training?

“When I’m not competing or training I like to chill out with my girlfriend Joanna who is now travelling full time with me. Being on the road 80% of the year I don’t get to see my family and friends much so having the company of someone you love is huge. We like to watch movies or hit the beach (when possible). At the moment she is forcing me to watch pretty little liars haha.”

Are you looking forward to the grass season?

“I can’t wait to return to the UK for the grass court season. I have 2 more tournaments in Mexico, 1 in the US then 3 in Asia before flying to Europe for the French open Qualies, as I mentioned before, I hope to be ranked under 175 by the time the grass season starts.”

Good luck Brydan for the rest of the season, thank you again for taking the time to chat with me-Glenys