McDonald On Why He Admires Kobe Bryant, An Offseason With Federer

Mackenzie McDonald caused one of the biggest upsets of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers on Wednesday when he eliminated sixth seed Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-3 in Toronto.

The American will now have a chance to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final when he plays former World No. 3 Milos Raonic on Thursday. ATPTour.com caught up with the former UCLA star last month to learn more about his interests off the court.

If you could have dinner with three people, who would they be and why?
I wish I could go Kobe Bryant. Kobe, Bob Marley and John Wooden, UCLA legend.   

What did you admire about Kobe?
Everything. The guy is one of my favourite competitors of all time.   

If you could switch places with one person for a day who would it be?
LeBron James.

What is your favourite non-tennis memory?
Buying my first car. Pretty good for me. 23 years old, bought my first car.   

What’s your favourite tennis memory?
Fourth round at Wimby. Also winning NCAA singles and doubles [titles] on the same day.   

If you could achieve one thing what would it be?
Live a long life. I want to live [to] 100, healthy.   

As a tennis player?   
As a tennis player, I’d like to win a Slam.   

What’s the coolest perk of being a pro tennis player?   
Free stuff. [The coolest thing I’ve done] is getting to go to the offseason with Roger [Federer] in Dubai.

It was cool. [Novak] Djokovic is a legend now but I think Roger is the pinnacle to the sport. Nicest guy off the court, too. So I’m happy his character is so high.    

What was your pinch-me moment on Tour?
[Reaching] the fourth round of a Slam for the first time, Wimbledon.