Nov. 14, 2016
By Jake Wright
Auburn freshman Michael Durham grew up an avid outdoorsman and always around sports. He played multiple sports when he was younger, until he found his true love -- tennis. He is one of the nation's best young tennis players. He is ranked among the top 125 nationally, and he won the 2016 ITA summer circuit event at Alabama. Though the collegiate level is the toughest competition to date for him, the newcomer from Macon, Ga., is ready to make an impact.
Q: What made you pick Auburn?
A: "Coach Reynolds gave me an awesome opportunity and it was the best opportunity that I had. I like the atmosphere at Auburn, and it is a good academic school. I just feel like I am vey fortunate to be here."
Q: How are you adjusting to life as a college student?
A: "I am adjusting well. At first, it was kind of tough rushing from class to practice all the time, but it is going well so far. All the guys on the team and mentors have helped me tremendously."
Q: How is the chemistry with your teammates?
A: "We are really close. We are always hanging out, and we get along well. We spend time outside of tennis on the weekends, which helps bring us together."
Q: What are some of your strengths as a player?
A: "My forehand is a weapon and I like to attack."
Q: How do you view your role on this team?
A: "I feel like I should work as hard as I can and try to help make the team better."
Q: Who is your favorite professional tennis player?
A: "Roger Federer. He is a good role model and a very classy person. He shows great work ethic also."
Q: What are your goals for this season?
A: "Obviously as a team, we want to win the SEC. Personally, I want to finish near the top in the SEC and top 40 in the country."
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: "The Bahamas or the Caribbean. It is very pretty."
Q: What are you studying and what do you want to do with your life after sports?
A: "Right now, I am pre-business. I am not 100% sure what I want to do in business yet."
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: "I just like to watch ESPN and catch up on what is happening in sports most days."
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: "I like to hunt and fish. Hunting with my friends in my favorite hobby."
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: "Hamburger."
Q: What is the most important element of success in tennis?
A: "Having a great work ethic and being positive is crucial."
Q: What have you liked most about Auburn so far?
A: "It has been a great experience and atmosphere. Being plugged in with tennis and good academics as well are beneficial to me."
Q: What would you be doing if you weren't playing tennis?
A: "I probably would've played another sport, because when I was younger I played a lot of sports."
Jake Wright is a student assistant in Auburn athletics communications