Pro Tennis | Pro Tour

The Biofile: Christina McHale

May 31, 2013 | By Scoop Malinowski
Christina_McHale

Status: Currently ranked 55th in the WTA Women’s Singles Rankings. A 2012 U.S. Olympian with wins over Caroline Wozniacki, Marian Bartoli, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Nadia Petrova, Daniela Hantuchova and Victoria Azarenka. Trains at Gordon Uehling’s Court Sense Facility in Tenafly, N.J.

Height: 5’ 7” Weight: 130 lbs. ♦ Date of birth: May 11, 1992 in Teaneck, N.J. 

First memory of tennis: My first memory of tennis was playing with my older sister Lauren at the tennis courts at our apartment complex in Hong Kong. I was probably around six- or seven-years-old.

Tennis inspirations: My tennis inspirations growing up were Venus and Serena Williams.

Last book read: The last book I read was The Cure by Krista White. She’s one of my favorite authors.

Current car: Black Mercedes.

First job: My first and only job has been a professional tennis player.

First famous tennis player met or encountered: The first famous player I remember seeing in person was Venus Williams when she was playing an exhibition in Hong Kong. I was star-struck!

Greatest moment of your career: The greatest moment of my career so far was attending the London Olympics (2012). I’ll never forget that experience.

Most painful moment: My most painful moment was when I almost got a full body cramp during my first round match at the 2009 Australian Open (against Jessica Moore). Physically, it was extremely painful to endure the cramps, and on top of that, I lost the match 9-7 in the third set.

Favorite tournament(s): My favorite tournament is the U.S. Open.

Why do you love playing tennis: I love playing tennis because it is fun and I enjoy competing.

Funniest players you’ve encountered on the tour: I’ve been to Fed Cup and the Olympics with Serena, and she is really one of the funniest players on the tour.

Funny tennis memory: Last year, I played an exhibition QuickStart tennis match for Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was the “pros” against the “little kids.” I still laugh about it today because I didn’t expect the little kids to be so good at the QuickStart tennis and they beat us [smiles].

Embarrassing tennis memory: I shanked a ball really badly one time in a doubles match and it hit the chair umpire right in the head. It was extremely embarrassing to say the least, but luckily the chair umpire was okay.

Favorite sport outside tennis: Baseball.

Three athletes you like to watch and follow: Derek Jeter, Rafael Nadal, and my sister Lauren McHale (who plays for University of North Carolina).

Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream.

Favorite court to play on: Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Best you have ever felt on court: When I played against (then WTA number one Caroline) Wozniacki in Cincinnati [won in straight sets in 2011]). Also, when I played Marion Bartoli at the U.S. Open (also 2011).

Fiercest competitors you’ve encountered in tennis: At this level, everyone wants to win, so every player is a fierce competitor.

People/personality qualities most admired: I admire those who are extremely dedicated and have great fight and perseverance.

 

 

Scoop Malinowski
Author

Scoop Malinowski's latest double book Facing Serena Williams/Facing Steffi Graf is available at www.lulu.com. He also authored Facing Federer, Facing Nadal, Facing McEnroe, Facing Sampras, Facing Hewitt and Facing Marat Safin.

 

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