This week on the Lucky Letcord Podcast we chat with rising American Mackie McDonald. The former NCAA singles and doubles champion made a massive mark on the ATP Tour in 2018, rising 100 spots in the rankings to finish at 76 in the world. After qualifying for the Australian Open and winning his first Grand Slam main draw match, McDonald would press on and turns heads at Wimbledon, where he reached the second week.

***The interview begins at 2:30***

3:52 McDonald on what changed for him in 2018.

4:25 We asked the 23-year-old about what it was like to face the best players that the sport has to offer, and what ranking goal he has set for 2019.

Other topics discussed:

5:45 Are there some things that work in college and challengers that don’t cut it at ATP level?

7:00 How the run in Australia was a spark for the whole campaign.

7:45 How does a higher ranking change the way he will plan for 2019?

8:48 How big was making the second week of Wimbledon for his confidence, and why is he a natural fit for grass?

11:30 What does he pick up when he watches players of similar stature like Kei Nishikori and David Goffin on tour?

14:10 How mental toughness is a key to his success. 15:15 What are some of the other memories that made 2018 special?

20:00 What will McDonald and team work on in Florida as they prepare for the Aussie summer?
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices