Q&A With Young American Tennis Phenom Bjorn Fratangelo

Bjorn Fratangelo enjoyed an incredibly decorated junior tennis career that included the 2011 French Open Junior title. Now Fratangelo is on the pro tour, and has been enjoying recent success at the Futures level very early in his career. Here is Tennis Globe's exclusive Q&A with one of America's most promising young tennis pros.

Tennis Globe: Bjorn, you have decided to skip college and test the ropes of the professional tour. How hard was that decision to make?

Bjorn Fratangelo: The decision to turn pro was the hardest thing I've ever done. Turning down a scholarship to college was something that I couldn't believe I was even considering. I always saw myself playing college tennis. However, my dream had always been to play pro ball, but I never thought it was realistically possible. I always played cause I enjoyed the competition of my sport. Every day it would go back and forth. Should I go to college, should I turn pro? I figured I had the chance to do something I always dreamed about, so I decided to go for it. I know college will always be there, and I've always been serious about my academics. If I don't make it, there is plan B. It isn't such a huge risk like everyone thinks.

TG:  You are currently ranked 696 in the world. What are your short and long term goals as far as the ranking goes?

BF: I try not to put a number on things. I want to worry about improving parts of my game that need to be improved and the ranking will come. I want to finish the year on a good note and ultimately make my way into the top 100.

TG: Today you defeated fellow American Tennys Sandgren in the second round of the Futures tournament in Toronto. How hard is it to get through the daily grind of the Futures level?

BF: Beating Tennys was a good win for me as he's been having a great year. With that being said, futures are very tough to deal with. These tournaments aren't in the most glamourous places and the atmosphere can be pretty dead. But, it is what it is and it's a stepping stone that most players go through. Hopefully, I won't be here for very long.

Fratangelo captured the 2011 French Open Junior title with a  3-6, 6-3, 8-6 win over Dominic Thiem of Austria.

TG: You won the 2011 French Open Juniors title, how big was that for your confidence and how did that effect your choice to skip college and turn pro?

BF: Winning the French Open was huge for me. It was a dream because ever since I was a little kid, I was obsessed with red clay and the French open was my favorite tournament to watch. I felt on top of the world after that win. My confidence was very high and 2 weeks after, I went on a futures swing and picked up 16 points. Unfortunately, i didn't get to finish out the year because of injury. Winning a junior slam was great and I had no idea that I was going to get so much attention. I became a little celebrity in my hometown for about a week. It was different and winning it definitely influenced my decision. I'm in pretty good company with guys like Wawrinka and Monfils. It gave me the belief that I could really do this without the help of college.

TG: Were you surprised by the success of the young Americans Jack Sock, Steve Johnson, and Bradley Klahn at the Open?

BF: I wasn't that surprised with Jack's results. He's playing some great tennis right now and he's proven that he can beat top 20 guys. He's got the self-belief that he can compete with the best  players in the world. He's always had that swagger. I've never been around Steve much, but winning 70 matches in a row helps the confidence. He obviously knows how to win big matches and it showed. Bradley also played very well and if he gets hot, he can be dangerous. I've practiced with him a few times and I can see how he's going to be a threat on the tour.

TG:How hard is it to manage the money aspect of traveling around and playing Futures events?

BF: It's very tough. In futures, you don't make much money. I'm young, and I'm still learning how to manage my money, but it can be very tough.

TG: What tennis player did you idolize growing up?

BF: I always looked up to all the top guys. I never had one specific player, but federer is amazing of course. I don't need to go any further. I also admire guys like djokovic who took their games to a higher lever, higher than they already were. I admire Guys who are at the top and want to improve more. David ferrer is another player I really like.

TG: What is your favorite shot?

BF: My forehand has always been my favorite shot.