"Late bloomer" Ali Riske credits increased maturity for 2019 success

As usual, Alison Riske was all smiles during Monday’s Tennis Channel Live interview with Brett Haber and “brother in law” Prakash Amritraj. While Amritraj and Riske are technically cousins in law, they sure behaved like brother and sister. Both were unable to keep a straight face during the segment, especially when a fully spandexed Prakash popped on screen, practicing forehand volleys with his puppy in hand.

After several minutes of giggling, Haber was able to steer the ship towards a more tennis-centric conversation, as Riske is set to compete in the UTR Pro Series tournament in Palm Beach, FL this weekend.

“I’m so excited for the event,” Riske said. "Having this to gear up for has brought me some normalcy to the quarantine times.”

A sentiment shared by all players who’ve been able to compete in the “Pandemic Era” events popping up around the globe. “This is a great group of girls,” Riske said, “we have pride on the line and we’re gonna give it our best shot.”

Riske and her trademark grin after defeating Ash Barty at 2019 Wimbledon- Getty Images

Riske and the crew also discussed her electric 2019 season, where she reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals and soared to a career high of world No.18.  She credited her “late blooming” and increased maturity level for her success.

“It was more maturity that hit me at the right time, it was my 11th year on tour, I felt like I belonged there," Riske said. "I matured later than my peers, I am a very emotional person, that’s my biggest obstacle and something Im working on with professional help.”

“2019 was a dream year for me,” she added, “I’m looking forward to beginning again.”