(August 31, 2015) FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY – Ryan Shane is the reigning NCAA Men’s Singles Champion, playing for the University of Virginia. Winning the NCAA’s earned him a wildcard into the US Open main draw. Shane lost his main draw match on Monday to the 27th seed Jeremy Chardy 6-2, 6-1, 6-7(6), 6-2.
He talked to Tennis Panorama News after the four-set loss.
Tennis Panorama: Talk about the match.
Ryan Shane: Obviously he’s the 27th seed, I think he just semi-ed in Canada.
I knew going in it was going to be a tough match.
I tried to make it as exciting as I could, I made it go four sets – he has a big serve, a big forehand, so I was just trying to manage that as well as I could, keep it away. He did a good job of finding his forehand today.
TPN: What was it like playing in the main draw with a big crowd?
RS: It was pretty amazing. I started playing tennis when I was really young. I’ve always wanted to play here, so now getting to play inside the stadium here, really a lot of fun. Tried to embrace the moment as much as I could.. It’s not 3 out of 5 that’s for sure it’s a different, it just feels different out here. You don’t play lets, in college tennis you just keep going, you don’t have that in pros
A lot more fans, all of the Americans cheer for you here, where in a college match, Americans cheer against you and so, it seemed so much different, so much bigger here.
College tennis is a little different.
TPN: so what’s next for you?
RS: It’s back to school, school has already started and back here for a college event next Thursday. I’ll be back for that. Other than that just back to school.
TPN: What do you plan to do after your Senior year?
RS: I plan on playing tennis, tennis is a lot of fun, give it a go and see what I can do, that’s what I plan on doing right now.
TPN: How did you discover the game?
RS: When my older brother (Justin) was born, my Dad built a court in the back of our house. He was a big tennis fan he always watched it. When I was really young I would go out and see my older brother playing, and I just picked up one of his little racquets and started swinging and my Dad saw that maybe he loves it so maybe I’ll let him play. Ever since then I’ve been playing.
(Note: His older brother played college tennis at UVA with him)
TPN: Which one of you is the better player?
RS: I would have to say him. He’s beating me a lot of times, he’s two years older, he’s got an edge on me.
TPN: Why do you think no US men have won a major since 2003?
RS: It’s a tough sport. I don’t know, we work hard. There’s a lot of good players out there and people want to win. You can’t just say it’s America’s fault or anything – Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are just unbelievable competitors.
I think our time is coming, we have a lot of young Americans that I think that little era of not winning a major may be over.
TPN: Who were your tennis idols?
RS: Idols growing up I was a big (Pete) Sampras fan growing up when I was really young my dad loved him and was forced to watch him. I kind of got the idea of the one-handed backhand from him. And of course Roger Federer, I have so much respect for him, he’s an amazing player, so talented and hardworking, humble.
And Steve Johnson is actually one of my favorite players now. I think he’s top 50 now. He went to college and sets a good precedent for all college players who come out who are not 6’10” , 6’8” with massive serves and can rip 145mph serves. He gives me someone to look up to. If he can do it, May be I can too.
TPN: So what’s after the US Open, just school?
RS: Playing a lot of challengers in the fall, probably missing a lot of school. I’m hoping for six or seven in the fall, get some (ATP) points.
TPN: So what happens to the first round money, since you are not a pro?
RS: First round money – Have to expense it for hotel and travel and all that. Sad it would have been a nice starting little salary. It’s not bad, I have another year in school.
Shane will be participating in the second annual American Collegiate Invitational, being held Sept. 10-12 at the US Open.
Karen Pestaina for Tennis Panorama News at the US Open