Recently, Tennis Globe caught up with Four Time National Champion (2009-2012) from USC Daniel Nguyen. Nguyen clinched the team championship in both 2010 and 2011, this earned him the nickname 'Mr. Clutch.'
Here is the Q&A with the Former Trojans Star.
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| Photo via Chris Roman: Daily Trojan |
Tennis Globe: You were a four time National Champion at USC, what will you miss most about your time there?
Daniel Nguyen: I will definitely miss hanging around my teammates, coaches, and friends the most.
TG: You clinched USC's title in 2011 and in 2010 with victories in the final round. Your win in 2011 was against Sanam Singh of Virginia with the teams tied 3-3. Was that the biggest win of your life?
DN: Yes this was probably one of the biggest wins of my tennis career. It was an incredible feeling and the atmosphere was electric. It was the perfect stage playing in the finals of NCAA’s against number one ranked Virginia, I couldn’t ask for more. Just being the last match on and winning the NCAA title for USC not only made this a very memorable match, but impacted me positively for my career in tennis.
TG: Your buddy and ex-teammate Steve Johnson just beat your other ex-teammate Robert Farah in the finals of a challenger in Aptos. Did you expect Steve to win?
DN: It was great seeing those two play each other in the finals of the challenger. I knew the match between Stevie and Farah was going to be a battle so I did not expect Steve to win. You know they’re both incredible and hungry competitors that play at the highest level possible, so I would expect nothing less from them.
TG: What impact has USC Head Coach Peter Smith had on you?
DN: Peter Smith has played a huge role in my development in tennis. I’m thankful for everything he has done for me. He has helped me mature as an individual on and off the court and I have gained a strong relationship with him.
TG: How do you like USC's chances of getting number five in a row?
DN: I love their chances. No question about it. I think USC has a great chance to grab title number five. There are going to be tough college teams out there but I think our experience, coaching staff, and players have the determination and skill set to win another title.
TG: You just won your first professional doubles title at a Futures tournament recently with Ryan Rowe. Were you expecting a title this quickly after finishing college?
DN: I did not expect winning a pro event after finishing college. I just try to enjoy each moment on the tennis court and not worry about the titles. Ryan and I had great chemistry on the court and ended up playing well during the tournament.
TG: You're currently ranked 1390 in singles and 979 in doubles. Have you set a goal for a high rank in singles and doubles?
DN: I haven’t really set a specific goal for a high ranking in singles or doubles. I definitely want to win a futures event in singles, and eventually make it into the challengers and ATP Events.
TG: In 2009 you and J.T. Sundling won the USTA Boys Hardcourt 18's Doubles Championship in Kalamazoo which gave you guys a wildcard into the US Open. What was that experience like?
DN: It was a phenomenal experience playing in the US Open and in my first grandslam doubles. It was incredible being around in New York essentially on center stage and surrounding myself with the best athletes in the world. I remember while playing the New Yorkers were getting behind me and J.T. chanting “U-S-A, U-S-A…!” Then the crowd for the other team started chanting “VIVA ARGENTINA!” It went back and forth the entire match. That right there got us hungry to compete. Playing in the US Open has motivated me to make it back there one day.
TG: How has playing on the pro tour compared to the expectations?
DN: I expected the pro tour was going to be tough so now I’m just getting use to the daily grind.
TG: Is it difficult to manage money when you are on the road at smaller tournaments at times?
DN: Yes it is quite difficult to manage money on the road since your really not making much money in these smaller tournaments. It was different in college because I had most of the things paid for but since graduating I now have to worry about my expenses and choose tournaments that are not outrageously expensive to travel to.
TG: Which player did you look up to growing up?
DN: As a child I grew up watching Michael Chang. I really admire Novak Djokovic’s game now.
TG: Who is your favorite (Non USC) pro player?
DN:Number 24, Kobe Bryant
TG: What is your favorite shot?
DN: Return of serve
TG: Who do you think will win the 2012 US Open?
DN: Roger Federer
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