Status: 2012 U.S. Olympian. Has career wins over Wozniacki, Bartoli, Kuznetsova, Petrova, Hantuchova and Azarenka. Trains at Gordon Uehling’s Court Sense Facility in Tenafly, N.J.
Ht: 5-7 Wt: 130
DOB: 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.
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 (vs. 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’s 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.
Funny tennis memory: Last year I played an exhibition Quick Start 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 Quick Start 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 Creme.
Favorite court to play on: Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Best you ever felt on court: When I played against (then WTA #1 Caroline) Wozniacki in Cincinnati (won in straight sets in 2011). And also when I played (Marion) Bartoli in 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 people who are extremely dedicated and have great fight and perseverance.
