A champion is suppose to hate to lose, and it wasn't like I was ever crazy about the idea. But I learned to deal with losing without having my spirit or confidence broken, which would help immensely over time, not just in the big picture but even in specific matches when I found myself in a jam. Fear of losing is a terrible thing.

My goal one day is to be in the same sentence as Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall. If I can match them for 10 years, I'd be in their company. They were class acts. That's what I'd like to be.

Media access to us is more regulated than in golf.

I'm maybe not quite as sharp as I used to be.

I didn't have a big fat Greek wedding, but I have a lot of fat Greek friends.

I never wanted to be the great guy or the colorful guy or the interesting guy. I wanted to be the guy who won titles.

If I win and play well, then the ranking will take care of itself. Defending points is really not a problem. Just go out and play and not worry about it.