Badgering: Rob Krill
January 29, 2020 | Men's Tennis, Varsity Magazine
Junior shares his favorite memories of Wisconsin tennis
MADISON, Wis. — What are you looking forward to most this season?
"I'm really looking forward to getting out there and competing with the guys. Spring season is great because everybody's all together for every match which really brings us closer together. We've all been working really hard, so I'm just really excited to see what the season has in store for us!"
How have you grown as a player during your past three years?
"I definitely think that I've grown a good amount as a player over the past couple years here. Through spending so much time on the court with a group of really talented coaches and teammates, my tennis game has definitely gotten a lot better. Everyday I'm surrounded by a team who pushes me to get better, and I really appreciate what all these people do for me."
Why Wisconsin?
"Deciding to come to UW was an easy choice for me. Not only did I feel that I really fit in with the coaches and team well, but a lot of my family went to school here. My dad, older brother, grandparents, and some of my aunts and uncles all went to Wisconsin, so I guess you could say it runs in the family."
What was your best memory at home or on the road with the tennis team?
"There have been a lot of really great memories that I've made here with the team over the past couple of years, but I'd have to say my favorite was when we went to Miami this past winter break and took a boat trip through the Everglades. All of us were together riding on a little airboat and even got to be up close with the alligators. I'd definitely have to say this was my favorite."
Do you have a pre-game warmup routine?
"I usually hang out in the locker room with the guys for a little bit, but 20 or so minutes before we meet up as a team, I'll go down to the courts, listen to some music and do a little bit of stretching."
Favorite meal after a match?
"My favorite meal after a match would definitely have to be Sal's Pizza. Whenever my parents come up to watch, we always try to go to this little pizza place that's about 15 minutes off campus. It's a lot of fun because sometimes some of the other guys on the team come with, so I've definitely had some great memories there."
How is it playing at Nielsen Tennis Stadium?
"Playing tennis at Nielsen for me is awesome. When I was in high school, the state championships were played here and growing up, that was the coolest thing for me. Now taking the time to reflect and look back at how long these courts have been a part of my life is a pretty unbelievable thing."
What is your favorite professional tennis tournament to watch and why?
"My favorite tennis tournament is the U.S. Open. When I was growing up, I always loved to watch it and a few years back I was fortunate enough to go to New York and see it live with my family. That was a really cool experience."
What do you enjoy doing off the court?
"When I'm not playing tennis I really enjoy hanging out with friends and watching basketball."
How do you hope to accomplish your career goals?
"As of now, I'm not 100 percent sure what I want to do after college. What I am sure of is that through being a part of Wisconsin tennis, I've learned from my coaches, teammates, and other individuals not only how to work hard, but also how to become a better person. I'm confident that my time here at Wisconsin will prepare me to accomplish whatever future career goals I have down the road."
Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic and why?
"Although I really like all of these players, I'd have to say my favorite is Rafael Nadal. Growing up, I loved watching Nadal because of his grittiness and intensity."
Can you tell us a little bit about what it's like playing college tennis for your home state?
"Having the opportunity to play tennis for Wisconsin really is unbelievable for me. As I said previously, a lot of my family went to school here, so I've been a Badger fan my entire life. Having the ability to play the sport I love for the school I love is something that I'm truly grateful for."
