Feb. 19, 2005

Since his debut as a Torero nearly three years ago, junior Pierrick Ysern has consistently set a high standard for his teammates to follow. After being named to the All-WCC Singles Team his first two years, the 5-9 lefty has once again raised the bar of excellence with his superb Fall Season. Ysern reached the quarterfinals of the ITA Intercollegiate Indoor Championships and the semifinals of the IcyHot/ITA All-American Championships this past year and as a result, the Paris, France native is currently ranked No. 5 in the country. Before the dual match between San Diego and Fresno State on February 20, the International Relations major sat down with Roland Hu for a quick Q & A.

1. How did you spend your summer?

I went back to France and practiced a lot with friends back there. I played in a lot of tournaments and pretty much traveled all around France to play. I didn't take many days off.

You didn't go anywhere for vacation?

Not that I remember!

What was your favorite tournament to play in?

I did two kinds of tournaments. I did professional tournaments [as an amateur], so they were cool because I knew a lot of guys and we were in a hotel and stuff. I also have a house on the beaches of Southern France and I played three or four tournaments there. They weren't professional, but they were still fun. Both were good, I couldn't tell you which I liked better

2. Currently, what is playing on your I-Pod?

Incubus, Live at Red Rocks.

Is Incubus your favorite band?

No, not really. I don't have any favorite bands right now. I can listen to rap, American or French, actually...

There are French rappers?

Why not? Do you think there are no French rappers? Of course. I like French rap better than American rap for the most part because it is a little bit more serious in the lyrics and stuff. I don't like 50 Cent or anything like that. I mean it is fun for parties and stuff, but I don't really like to listen to that. I like French rap because they are a little bit more serious in their lyrics. It's a better message I guess.

What other types of music do you like to listen to?

I like to listen to rock. I like anything from soft rock to hard rock. I can listen to Metallica, I can listen to any rock, there's no specific band. That's basically it.

Do you like to go to concerts?

No, not really. I've been to one concert, Incubus, last May. It was fun, but I'm not a big fan of concerts.

So you weren't too impressed?

No, I was. I had a good time, but it was my first time. It was more of an experience than a great time for me.

3. What hidden talents does no one really know about?

I wish I had some! I am not sure about that... Can I think for a minute? I can probably do something... I'll get back to you later on that one.

4. One place that I have never visited, but would love to is...

I have been to many places, but I would probably go to Asia. Japan, China...

What parts of those countries draw to you?

I've never been there. I've heard the culture is so different, just to see what it is like. I've been to Africa, I've been to Europe, I've been to the States. I've heard that Asia is very, very different from here, Europe or anywhere else. So I'd like to see that for sure.

What's one of your favorite vacation spots so far?

I like Morocco a lot. That was fun.

Why was that? The culture, the people...

The people are really, really nice and easy-going. Perfect for a vacation. They are just nice people. It is such a beautiful country and there's nice weather. Most people speak French over there, so that was good.

Well, your English is pretty good, so...

I know, but I'm still more comfortable speaking French.

Do you find it more difficult finding people from France at USD?

I used to know more [French students] when I got here. I knew about 10 or 15 people, but half of them graduated now. So now, I don't really know any of the new guys. I still know about five or six, but that's plenty.

So you're mainly restricted to English now?

Well, I hang out way more with Americans now, that's for sure!

5. If you could have three people over for dinner, who would you want to invite?

I have to go with athletes. I just love athletes. I would go with Roger Federer. I'd have to. He's a favorite among anyone... he's so beautiful to watch. I'd probably bring out Kobe Bryant. I'm pretty sure he's not a nice guy, whatever, but the way he plays, it is so amazing. I'd like to talk to him, see how he is, really, get into his mind, see what really happened... ha-ha. And I'd have to go with Anna Kournikova.

No explanation needed?

Just for her looks! I'd have to go with her.

So it seems like you enjoy watching tennis and basketball. Are there any other sports you like watching?

I like soccer. That's probably my favorite sport. I think I like watching soccer more than tennis.

So how excited were you when France won the World Cup [in 1998]?

Oh, it was huge. You have no idea. In France, it was really, really, really big. We're not very patriotic in France. The only time I've seen all of France together was when we won the World Cup. There were about 2-3 million people down the Champs Ellyse, walking and partying. It was a great time.

6. What are three things you'll need to survive on a typical day as a USD student?

Gotta be my I-Pod and my laptop computer. Those are two things I really need.

You take notes in class with your computer?

No, no. Just when I go back home, I'm always on the Web, MSC, I-Tunes or whatever.

What type of computer?

An HP Pavilion. Oh, and my tennis racquet. I can't live without it!

So you love playing tennis that much?

Of course! I hate days off!

I've heard that when you are younger, coaches like their students to carry their racquets with them everywhere, even to bed. Did you ever sleep with your tennis racquet?

No, never! Actually when I was younger, I was not into tennis that much. I always liked it, but I wasn't part of the [French] Federation or anything like that. I only practiced two or three times a week. That's probably why I love it so much because I didn't get burned out at all. A lot of kids, when they are younger, don't know why they are playing and they want to hang out with their friends and stuff. I started playing a lot of tennis when I started doing it for myself.

When did you start playing tennis for yourself, when you got more serious?

Probably at age 15 I'd say.

Was Roland Garros [site of the French Open] a favorite spot of yours to go to?

It is a great spot. I know all the French players, besides the older ones. Not [Sebastian] Grosjean, or [Arnaud] Clement; I don't really know them. All the younger guys who play at the French, I know them all. It's fun. I live right next to it, like five minutes away from my home.

What's your favorite surface to play on?

Probably hardcourt. I am sure I could play well on clay, my club only plays on clay. But I feel better on hardcourts. But I don't mind clay. I've never played on grass. I'm an all-court [player].

Did you have dreams of turning professional?

Well I hope they are not dreams! I plan on turning pro after I graduate, for sure. I don't know for how long, but I'll give it a shot.

7. What is the biggest difference that you notice between Paris and San Diego?

The weather. The weather is much nicer here. It is just a lot different. Paris is a huge city and it seems much bigger because San Diego is much more spread out. Paris is pretty big, but the roads are pretty narrow, you got high buildings, but everything is so concentrated. But here, it is all spread out, so it is very different.

What's your favorite spot in Paris?

I like the Champs Ellyse at night. It is just beautiful there. I love it at night. You have bars, clubs, shops... there are a lot of people, always. I like it.

What are three things you would bring back with you from Paris to San Diego?

I don't know. Is it ok if I skip it?

Yeah, that's fine. Have you found any decent French restaurants in San Diego?

I'm not a big fan of French food. If I am in the States, I don't really want to eat French. I eat way more than enough French in France! I'd rather go to some Chinese or Italian place.

8. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?

Have you heard of selective memory because I don't even remember right now! I try to forget all these things... what could it be? A lot of stuff happens to me, but I seriously can't remember! I swear I don't know! I can't even think of one moment where I was embarrassed right now.