King Reacts To Winning In Binghamton

It’s tough to win two Challengers in a row, even more difficult to do it on two different surfaces. How are you playing now and what’s brought about this confidence?

On court, I think I realized my strengths and it’s not to overpower people, but be smart on the court and play my strengths to the other’s guy weaknesses. It’s worked well the past two weeks. I’m trying to get a high first serve percentage, use my forehand and be aggressive when I can.

It seems like that’s a bit of maturity. What does that say about where your game is now?

I’ve played on the ATP Challenger Tour the past two years and think I was worrying about other guy’s game. [thinking] they’re overpowering me. I was complaining a lot. After my first [Challenger] win in Cali, I said to myself, ‘Darian, you have to stick to it and play your game. You can’t worry about your opponent’s game.’ I spoke to my brother before every match and he looks at their weaknesses. The main thing is to stay in the points when I can and be aggressive when I can. I’ve been mentally tough these past two weeks and this is just a great achievement for me.

Mitchell didn’t have his best day out there, but what were you trying to do today?

I spoke to my brother, who’s my coach, and he told me to stay in the point and attack his forehand. You could see during the match that he was striking his backhand very well and very deep. The smarts on the court is what you have to use: slice to the forehand, loop to the forehand, using different varieties, high first-serve percentage and be aggressive when I can. Mitch didn’t show up today, but it’s all in the sport. Hopefully he can play much better next week and come out with a title.

Cali was your first Challenger final. Are you overwhelmed by the moment or taking it in stride?

I’m taking it in stride. I think I have the game to be up there, but it’s just having that belief in yourself. It’s when you wake up and you’re ready and stoked to play. I came up mentally prepared for it and physically strong every day. And I think I wanted it more than the others. In this sport, you have to be willing to work for it and I think that’s what I’ve been doing well.

How different are you now than you were a couple of years ago?

I think I’ve improved my attitude, being ready for every ball and staying focused on the moment. That’s making a good character for me on the court. Everyone’s liking it and I’m glad everyone is liking it. My brother is traveling with me now and before, I was doing it alone. I’m glad for all the help that I’ve been receiving, for people to keep me calm and focused on the court. I’m really thankful for it.

How are you going to celebrate?

I’ll go back to New York, look for friends and just hang out. Take in the moment, relax and then get back to work.