There’s nothing like being an American competing at the US Open, but Steve Johnson admitted that he’s only recently learned how to embrace it.
The 29-year-old is feeling confident about his chances for a solid run in New York this year after advancing to his first ATP Tour semifinal of the season in last week’s Winston-Salem Open. Ahead of his first-round match against No. 28 seed Nick Kyrgios, USOpen.org caught up with Johnson to talk about his favorite New York memories and why this tournament is a family affair for him.
USOpen.org: What’s your favorite thing about coming back to the US Open each year?
Steve Johnson: Just getting to play on the same courts as your idols growing up. As a kid in the U.S., you grow up watching the US Open. My most clear memory is probably being at the house and watching Andy [Roddick] win it, seeing his emotions and being over the moon to see another American win. It’s a fun place to play.
I had a lot of nerves playing there for about half of my career, trying to do better and getting a little ahead of myself rather than letting my game take care of business. I’ve really enjoyed it for the last three or four years now, just being able to relax and let my tennis take care of things, rather than worrying about doing something huge on the biggest stage.
USOpen.org: Are there any other matches you remember watching that really stood out for you?
Steve Johnson: Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in the [2002] final. It’s cool to see how much it’s changed on TV back in the day to now.
USOpen.org: What are some of the things you enjoy seeing or doing off the court?
Steve Johnson: I haven’t done all that much, sightseeing-wise. We’re there for the tennis, and that’s the focus, but I enjoy having a lot of friends and family get a chance to come out. It’s a bit more convenient; there’s more to do in the city on the days when I’m not playing, and then they’ll squeeze in the tennis match when it’s convenient for them. My wife, mom, aunt, father-in-law, brother-in-law, they’ll all be there. It’s nice to just go out to dinners at night, relax and enjoy this while it lasts for hopefully a few more years.
USOpen.org: This is your ninth straight main-draw appearance at the US Open. What are your most memorable matches?
Steve Johnson: There are a couple that will stand out for the rest of my life. I came back from two sets down in one match [against Evgeny Donskoy in 2016]. I played against Juan Martin del Potro on Ashe in the next round and didn’t get the win, but what a cool memory that was. It was neat just to be able to play out there.
All in all, I’ve really enjoyed my time there. This will be my 10th time playing, if you count the qualifying in 2010. It’s hard to believe I could play any event 10 times, but here we are.
USOpen.org: You won a USTA Pro Circuit event this summer [in Aptos, Calif.] and had a great week in Winston-Salem, so how are you feeling heading into the tournament?
Steve Johnson: My game is feeling better than it has in a while now. There’s a finish line, and you’ve just got to sprint through it.
