Nicola Slater has embraced the American dream. The "kickass" part of her email address tells you that and she is starting to kick a few butts on the tournament circuit.

Almost six years after leaving Scotland to take up a scholarship at Florida State University, she is settled in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and is now determined to make her mark in pro tennis.

In April, she achieved her first world ranking after winning her first round match in a $10,000 event in Buenos Aires but she could hardly anticipate that it would achieve headlines around the world.

Her 6-0 6-0 victory in just 25 minutes over Chilean Andrea Paredes was the shortest game on record - beating the previous best set by none other than Steffi Graf.

But that was not what captured the attention of the media, rather than Slater's opponent was a transsexual, having undergone a sex change.

"It was an experience," she admits, "It is kind of cool to be a part of history and then to break a world record, and even more so one held by an idol of mine, Steffi Graf!

"But as much as there was much more media and people watching compared to a regular first round match of a 10k, at the end of the day it was about me trying to win my world ranking and it didn't matter who I was playing, just the ball and sticking to my goals and plan."

Slater, brought up in Ayr, has an impressive pedigree in the NCAA. She was part of the FSU team that reached a record high of 13 in America and she was in the first doubles partnership from the university to be invited to the NCAA Indoor Championships in which only 16 pairs compete.

"In my senior year I got as high as 12 in the nation for doubles, 55 in singles although I posted three wins against opponents who were top 20 in the nation, one was a former number one," she continues.

"As for on tour now, there is a major issue for me over funding since it is so hard to finance yourself when there really isn't any income in the beginning and the reason many quit. I don't want to be one of those, I’d like to have my shot and really have a legitimate go at it."

Slater recorded another first round win at the $10k event in Sumter, South Carolina, at the end of May where she also went on to reach the doubles semi-finals with Colombian partner Paula Zabala, beating the top seeds en route.

"My goal for this year is to stay healthy since three-quarters of year last year -my first on tour- I had some bad injuries, the main being four torn ligaments in my ankle.

"So this year I'm looking to play more tournaments and build on my ranking. I would like to see myself a year from now hitting above 400 in the rankings and 200 in doubles.

"Long term my goals are to be top 20 in singles and number one in doubles. My doubles game has always been a great strength in the women's game and really see myself being successful. All these goals of course depend on funding and the ability to travel and play.

"I'm hoping to play in South America end of July/beginning of August and then until November it's a step up to mainly $50ks in North America with some $25ks.

"In November I have planned on Australia so I am coming home for a few weeks in June/July, not only to play but to go to American embassy to get my athlete visa put in my passport because, for the time being, I see myself settling in the States.

"I call it home for just now and as patriotic and proud as I am to be Scottish, the opportunity to do this is just way better over here with climate, players and competition."

Slater acknowledges the debt she owes to former Scottish national coach Judy Murray who played a big part in nurturing her in the game.

"Judy collects much credit and as is so well deserved since she taught Andy and Jamie from a young age and has been an AMAZING force in my career from spotting my talent on first sight in Craighelen when I was 12 or so, to then also teaching me and still up to this day is behind me and always there for support," she explains.

"One common question I get is "is she really a good coach?" and my reaction is usually - head goes back, mouth drops and "can't even begin to tell you!"

Slater does not have far to go for a taste of Scotland if she is feeling homesick. There is a Scottish mill shop along from where she is based in Hilton Head which stocks Irn-Bru and haggis. It looks like she could be in America for some time.

RM
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