| Allison Bradshaw |
Birthdate: November 14, 1980
Hometown: San Diego, CA.
Residence: San Diego, CA.
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Height: 5' 10"
Plays: Right-handed
Status: Pro (2000)
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 | | | Allison Bradshaw prepares to hit a backhand during the 2000 U.S. Open. | |
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Highlights:
2000
- Reached third round of the US Open, losing to Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.
- Unseeded, reached the semifinals of the USTA Challenger in Salt Lake City; Defeated No. 1 seed Louise Latimer in the first round, 6-4, 7-6 (4).
- Won the USTA Satellite in Hilton Head, S.C., as a qualifier.
- Turned professional following her sophomore season at the Arizona State University. Played No. 1 singles and doubles for the Sun Devils.
1999
- Played No. 1 singles for Arizona State University as a freshman, earning ITA All-American honors in singles and doubles.
- Posted a 31-16 record in singles and 18-14 record in doubles (with Katy Propstra).
1998
-Earned a wild card into main draw of women's doubles at the U.S. Open by virtue of winning the USTA Girls' 18's National Championship with Abigail Spears. Lost with Spears in the first round to Caroline Dhenin and Emilie Loit 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-4.
- Won the doubles title with Spears at the USTA National Girls' 18 Championships in San Jose, CA.
-Finished her high school tennis career at Patrick Henry High School undefeated.
Interesting Fact:
- Mother, Valerie Ziegenfuss, is a coach for USA Tennis Player Development and one of the original founders of the WTA Tour in 1970. Valerie was also a member of the U.S. Fed Cup team, a former No. 1 ranked American doubles player and a two-time Wimbledon doubles semifinalist.
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SportsLine.com recently spoke with Allison. Here is what she had to say:
SportsLine: How old were you when you first realized you were good enough to make tennis your career?
Allison Bradshaw: It's always been my dream to follow in my mom's footsteps. When I was 16 I started to believe I would.
SportsLine: What is the strongest part of your game right now?
Allison Bradshaw: I like overpowering people and trying to outsmart them at the same time.
SportsLine: What part of your game needs the most work?
Allison Bradshaw: My conditioning needs improvement. I want to get faster and stronger.
SportsLine: What is your favorite thing about being a tennis player?
Allison Bradshaw: Competing!
SportsLine: What is your least favorite thing about being a tennis player?
Allison Bradshaw: Being away from home. It gets kind of lonely. You go from the courts to the hotel and don't have the energy to sightsee.
SportsLine: Who has influenced your game the most?
Allison Bradshaw: My mom (Valerie Ziegenfuss).
SportsLine: Who has been your favorite player to watch?
Allison Bradshaw: Lindsay Davenport, by far. We have a lot of similarities; we're both big girls and have a lot of power. We come from Southern California and have laid back attitudes.
SportsLine: Who do you most look forward to playing?
Allison Bradshaw: Anybody in the top ten will be great. There are no easy matches anymore.
SportsLine: Do you ever get discouraged with your game?
Allison Bradshaw: If you get on a losing streak it's hard to keep your confidence, but you have to keep your head up. I can't get discouraged this early on. I have a lot of time in front of me.
SportsLine: How do you think you will react if you win a Grand Slam ?
Allison Bradshaw: I'm not a really emotional person but I'd be smiling for the next year.
SportsLine: Have you ever been intimidated by an opponent?
Allison Bradshaw: I don't get intimidated very easily. I used to get intimidated by Marissa Irvin because she was always the best player, but now I'm confident. I know I can play with anyone.
SportsLine: Does the prospect of playing any particular player intimidate you?
Allison Bradshaw: I would be more excited than anything. Maybe a little intimidated, but I have nothing to lose.
SportsLine: What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Allison Bradshaw: I like punk.
SportsLine: Do you feel like you lost any part of your childhood because of the demands of training and travel?
Allison Bradshaw: Not at all! I always had enough time off to go out with friends. My mom went through the same things I've had to and she knew where to draw the line with how much I played and practiced.
SportsLine: What would you like to pursue after you retire?
Allison Bradshaw: I was not exactly motivated in school. I would like to play until I'm 29 or 30 then maybe start a family. Maybe do some traveling (with no tennis rackets) and actually go sight-seeing.
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