An interview with practice partner Alex Domijan
Thursday, March 05, 2009 3:16 AM ET

A 17-year-old from Wesley Chapel, Fla., Alex Domijan is currently ranked No. 1 in the boys' 18s and No. 14 in the ITF World Junior Rankings. Last year, he won the won the Eddie Herr International and reached the semifinals at the Orange Bowl. Domijan was invited by U.S. Davis Cup Captain Patrick McEnroe to serve as a practice partner for the 2009 first round against Switzerland. After a practice session playing doubles with Andy Roddick against Bob and Mike Bryan, USTA.com caught up with Domijan to talk about his budding tennis career.

USTA.com: What are you taking out of this experience here in Birmingham as a practice partner with the U.S. Davis Cup Team?

Domijan: I’ve learned a lot of stuff from the guys. The biggest thing that I need to work on is my serve. Andy, James and the Bryans told me a couple of things to work on when I get back to Saddlebrook that I think will help me.

USTA.com: What specific advice have you received from the guys on the team pertaining to your serve?

Domijan: Mainly, that I’m not snapping enough on my serve. I need to load up more on my serve, things like that.

USTA.com: You train down at the Saddlebrook Academy in Florida and get the opportunity to practice with players like James Blake and Mardy Fish. How has that experience helped your game?

Domijan: It’s really nice playing with some of the best players in the world. To see what that playing level is like and hopefully get there one day.

USTA.com: Although you’ve had impressive results, reaching the semifinals of the Orange Bowl and winning the Eddie Herr tournament, you’ve remained a humble guy. How do you stay so even-keeled?

Domijan: Well, usually when I talk a lot, I play bad, so I don’t do that any more!

USTA.com: What are your next steps as a future professional player?

Domijan: I plan to play a few Futures events to get my ranking up. And also play Challenger events.

USTA.com: So is college an option for you at this point?

Domijan: I’m not sure. I really just need to see how I do for the next year and decide then.

USTA.com: Why did you choose tennis? With so many sports to play, why did you stick with this sport?

Domijan: Well, my dad and grandfather played with me at an early age, so I always just played from then on.

USTA.com: Are we going to see you at the US Open this year?

Domijan: Maybe, if I can get into qualifying, I’ll play that. Or even the men’s draw and the juniors draw. Last year, I played in the juniors draw and lost in the second round, so I’m looking to do better. 

(From USTA.com)