Five minutes with… Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Here, we caught up with the Arizona native on her tennis hero, her favorite thing about her job, the perfect road trip and much more. She plays Saturday in the doubles semifinals alongside partner Lucie Safarova.

More: Draws | Order of Play | Previewing Friday’s Quarterfinals

Volvo Car Open: How old were you when you started playing tennis?
Mattek-Sands: I was 5.

VCO: Who was your tennis hero growing up?
Mattek-Sands: Monica Seles.

VCO: What’s your pre-match meal?
Mattek-Sands: Gluten-free oatmeal. Currently the strawberries and cream flavor!

VCO: What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Mattek-Sands: Playing on the biggest stages around the world.

VCO: If you weren’t a tennis player you would be a what?
Mattek-Sands: An author… I love to write.

VCO: What’s your perfect road trip with friends: Who, where, music, snacks?!
Mattek-Sands: I love road trips! [My husband] Justin always drives and the dog is in the back seat. Our last trip was to the Grand Canyon and we kept it country as far as tunes went. One thing we don’t skimp out on is snacks: We’re packed up on everything from Soppressata to roasted hominy corn to salted dark chocolate bars.

VCO: What’s a goal you still haven’t achieved in your career that you’d like to?
Mattek-Sands: I’d love to go to Rio for the Olympics.

VCO: If you could speak to her, what’s one piece of advice you would pass on to your younger self?
Mattek-Sands: Take time to enjoy where you are in the moment.

VCO: Bethanie, you always have crazy hair! What’s your next go-to style?
Mattek-Sands: Right now I have a shaved undercut with a little bit of design in it. I’m giving the coloring process a little break!

VCO: Who plays you in a movie about your life?
Mattek-Sands: Charlize Theron. She’s one of my favorites!

VCO: Thanks, Bethanie! Good luck this weekend!