Taylor Townsend and Robby Ginepri, two players with ties to Atlanta, earned wild cards into the French Open, which begins May 25.
Townsend, who grew up in Riverdale, earned her spot at Roland Garros Stadium by accumulating points by winning two clay-court tournaments in the United States. Ginepri, who lives in Kennesaw, accumulated enough points for a wild card by winning a clay tournament in Tallahassee.
This will be the first Grand Slam event for Townsend.
Ginepri reached the fourth round of the French Open in 2010. He broke his left elbow in a mountain-biking accident later that year and has been steadily trying to work his way back.
The two participated in a conference call with the USTA. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Q: What does it mean to you to be playing in your first Grand Slam knowing you earned the wild card rather than just being given the wild card?
Townsend: It's a great feeling for me. I think I'm going into this tournament really, really confident. I'm playing really well. It's just really good to know that I earned this. It was not like I was given it.
Q: Can you give us a run-through of what you’ve been dealing with through the last couple years.
Ginepri: All professional athletes go through injuries. How you deal with them, manage them, that's all I've been trying to do.
Still enjoying the game out there. It’s a big opportunity for me to get this wild card. Definitely feel like I can do some damage over there. I’ve shown I can do it before. Eager to get out there on the red clay.
I’ve always enjoyed going to Paris. It’s a special place to me. I feel like the fans are extremely knowledgeable when they’re watching all the matches. Regardless of the courts you’re on, Court 17 or one of the show courts, they’re pretty packed. I’m stoked for that.
Q: People have talked about Americans not doing all that well on clay. What is your take on the situation? I know Serena (Williams) won the French last year. In general, Americans don’t necessarily grow up playing on clay. How do you think Americans can improve their clay performances in general?
Townsend: I think it just starts off with the player. I mean, you can either love clay or hate clay. You're not going to do well if you hate it. I just think it starts with a mindset.
It’s more physical. It’s a whole different component you have to train for.
I don’t think it’s just a matter of us not doing well. I think it’s a mindset we have to understand that, you know, it’s longer points, longer rallies, choosing to stay in there mentally and physically.
Ginepri: I agree with Taylor.
Definitely a choice and decision to embrace the clay-court experience. A lot of the foreigners do grow up on this, so they feel more comfortable starting out. The way they are able to construct points at an early age, get the footing, is different than how we are raised on the American hard courts where we pull the trigger earlier and don’t construct points as long.
Q: Robby, you’ve had really good results at the French in the past with a couple fourth-round appearances. Have you set any goals for yourself there this year?
Ginepri: Haven't really sat down and planned out and say I want to reach the fourth round again or whatnot. Wasn't even on the radar a couple months ago.
Bring my “A” game over there and see how it goes.
Q: Taylor, making your Grand Slam debut, do you have any goals set for yourself there?
Townsend: I mean, as far as rounds are concerned, not really. I just think for me I want to embrace the moment, embrace every opportunity that comes my way and just enjoy the moment. This is my first Grand Slam main draw.
It’s a lot to take in. It’s an honor and a privilege just to be there.
I don’t want to just be happy to be there. I want to compete and do the best that I can. I think if I do the right things and everything, it will take care of itself.
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