Black Tennis Pros

MIDLAND, Mich. -- Ahsha Rolle of Miami Shores, Fla., is seeking to regain the drive and motivation that led her to the third round of the US Open in 2007.

Travel and life on the road as a professional tennis player can be tough, and Rolle admitted during the Dow Corning Tennis Classic in Midland, Mich., that she is in need of a little pick-me-up.

She sat down with USTA.com and talked about her recent play.

USTA.com: You lost in the singles qualifying at Midland. How would you assess your game right now?

Ahsha Rolle: This is my third tournament of the year, and I made the singles and doubles in my first event and lost in the second round at Lutz, Fla. I don’t know. I’m not playing too good right now, and I don’t have much confidence. I don’t know why. It’s such a tough lifestyle. I’m just not feeling very inspired. I had two pretty big injuries last year that kept me off the court for about four months. I’ve just tried to come back and get in shape, but it hasn’t gone so well. It was a very tough year for me. I have to get in better shape and get my confidence up.

USTA.com: Who were some of your role models growing up?

Ahsha Rolle: I liked watching Venus and Serena play. Of course, they were very big role models for me. Lori McNeil, also.

USTA.com: What are your thoughts on February being Black History Month?

Ahsha Rolle: I definitely observe it. You always have to take time and remember the people who paved the way for you. We have a black president now, and that’s something I’m very excited about. It’s a great month.

USTA.com: Talk more about what having a black president of the United States means to you?

Ahsha Rolle: It’s really exciting because as an African-American you tell your kids you can become anything, but there was never a black president, so now you can really tell your kids you can be anything and mean it.

USTA.com: What about the inauguration?

Ahsha Rolle: It was an important day for me. I watched it with my dad. It was just really special -- something I’ll never forget. On election night we were at a tournament, and some of the girls watched it on TV with (USTA supervisor) Bunny (Williams) and (USTA referee) Missy (Malool). It was really nice.