Many books have been written about what the X-factor is, what separates people who win big matches versus those who struggle. Some of it's innate, but there's a piece of it that's learned, embracing those moments.

I am there to play tennis and represent the U.S., but I'm also aware that not everyone's going to be able to think that way.

There's plenty of anecdotal evidence that most champions are born into certain environments and encouraged early. Then, later on, they might get some assistance from their federations.

Tennis doesn't encourage any kind of intellectual development.

You'd have to think that if he'd been around today, Rod Laver would have been Rod Laver.

If you don't want to practice, unless you have a hard-nosed coach, you don't have to.

Fear is an interesting energy that we all have to face. Some people step up and aren't afraid but still come up short. And some would rather cop out: "My shoulder hurts" or "I didn't give it my all." They can sleep at night.