June 24, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Claudio Romano (Valencia, Venezuela) missed the entire spring campaign for the UCF men's tennis team due to an injury. The sophomore was expected to play at the top of the Knights' lineup.
Romano did compete in several tournaments during the fall, posting a 5-1 singles mark. This summer, Romano is back home in Venezuela. Recently, Romano provided insight into how he is spending his time in his homeland.
You have competed in a few tournaments since returning home. How are you feeling physically?
"I am improving. Since I was cleared to play in May, I feel that I have been getting stronger every day. Now I am working harder. I certainly believe that I am getting closer to being 100 percent ready. I would say I am about 85 percent."
You played in some ATP Futures events in May. Do you plan on competing in more tournaments?
"I have been playing in the futures tournaments in Maracay and Merida. I am going to play three more, including some in Puerto Ordaz and Caracas in mid-July."
How much traveling have you done so far to get to the tournaments?
"I traveled a lot in the first few weeks. I was home for a couple of days and then took the bus to different cities here in Venezuela. Those trips are crazy. Sometimes the ride takes between 12 and 15 hours. But I enjoy it, so it's not that bad."
What parts of your game are you trying to improve over the summer?
"My strength and conditioning. When I feel strong physically, I play better. Also, I'm trying to improve my serve. The most important thing, I believe, is that I am enjoying more of what I am doing, having more fun."
Have you had a lot of time to spend with your family, considering that you do not get to see them during the school year?
"Being with my family is one of the things that I enjoy the most in my life. I always have the best times of my life with my sisters, my dad and the rest of my family. Sometimes I ask myself why UCF is not in Valencia, Venezuela... or why my family doesn't live in Orlando, Fla. That would be awesome. I really like and UCF, and I really love my country. It is a shame I had to decide between those two, but that's how life is."
How do you keep in touch with your UCF teammates over the summer?
"I use Facebook, MSN, phone calls... Skype. They are my family also, so we talk frequently."
When you have not been playing tennis, what have you been doing with your free time?
I read a book called El Profeta. It was a very good book, it taught me to enjoy life in different ways. My dad and I watch at least five movies each week. But for sure, most of my free time has been spent with my sisters."
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