Interview with Alison Riske from Volvo Car Open
Steve Fogleman, Tennis Atlantic
Alison Riske joined us on Monday after her win at Volvo Car Open to discuss her match against US Open Junior champion Kayla Day, the progression of her career, and her engagement to Stephen Amritraj. And she was kind enough to do all of this in harsh conditions with a rain-soaked malfunctioning microphone.
Kayla Day drew the poker chip that set up the match against Alison Riske during the draw and looks up to Riske. After the win, it was Riske’s turn to return the serving of admiration:
It’s really easy to be complimentary towards Kayla Day. I think she has a really bright future ahead, that’s for sure. She’s an awesome player. Obviously, I respect her as a person, too. She’s come on tour with no sort of air about her even though she’s achieved so much even though she’s only 17 years old. I think the sky’s the limit for her and it will be exciting to see what the future holds. Hopefully, I don’t have to play her too many times.
On her slow and steady rise up the WTA rankings:
It’s definitely been a process. Everyday is a challenge and poses something different. I think the best is yet to come. I hope I can keep achieving new career-high rankings. Hopefully, fingers-crossed, I’ll stay healthy.
On her engagement:
Yes, it’s definitely exciting… I am engaged and it’s been wonderful. He’s so supportive of my tennis which is what really makes it work. Obviously, tennis is my first love.
She agreed that it was only fitting for her to be paired up with another tennis junkie. Her dad, described alternately by her as Robert DeNiro and Fox’s “American Dad” is “totally cool with this.”
Alison Riske, Tennis Atlantic
On a future after tennis:
Tennis has been so good to me, so I would love to be able to give back, somehow, I’m not sure how yet. I see myself still in the sport. I don’t think I could ever have a life without tennis.
On her decision to live in the South, from Florida to South Carolina to Tennessee:
Judging from this rain right now, I’m not sure if it’s because of the weather. Definitely weather is part of it…and the charm definitely has something to do with it. I feel like you just come here and you relax. Your mind relaxes, your body relaxes and you just want to hang out. I don’t know if that’s conducive to playing a tennis tournament. It’s a great place, it’s a special place. I definitely think I’ll have a place here one day in Charleston.
Tennis Atlantic 