Tennis star Taylor Dent talks to CNN 

Tennis star Taylor Dent talks to CNN

CNN World Sport Anchor Candy Reid interviewed U.S. tennis star Taylor Dent. The following is a transcript of the interview.
Q: Hello Taylor, after a great 2005 in which you finished in the top 30 for the first time in your career, you haven't played much this year -- are you injured? If so, when will you be back?

A: At the moment, I am having some problems with my back, but I hope to be back out in time for Paris and the Grass Court season.

Q: You've had a few injury problems in the last few years -- have you just been unlucky or is it something to do with the way you hit the ball?

A: I have heard differing points of view from a number of experts but I feel it is a bit of both. I put a lot of effort into my shots and my style of play takes a lot out of my body.

Q: How much has your father (Former pro Phil Dent) influenced your career?

A: He has been the biggest impact on my tennis career for sure. He started coaching me when I was 10 or 11 and he was my fulltime coach until I was 17 or 18.

Q: What do you make of Andre Agassi's decision to miss the entire clay-court season?

A: I am in no position to criticize Andre's decision. He is one of the best players of all time and if he thinks it is in his best interest to miss the clay court season, I back him up 100 precent. He knows his body better than anyone.

Q: Now that the French Open has decided to award the men's and women's winners equal prize money, the debate has resurfaced again. What's your view?

A: Tennis is an entertainment sport and if the tournaments that decide the prize money feel the women provide as much entertainment as the men, then I support it without any reservations. However, I know how hard the women work and I feel they earn the right to make as much as the men.

Q: Roger Federer is going for the Slam this year -- but do you think he can win at Roland Garros?

A: I think anybody who gets to the semis of Roland Garros has a huge chance to win.

Q: With your big serve and great volleys, do you think Wimbledon is your best chance of winning a Major?

A: I used to when I was younger, but the courts at Wimbledon have slowed down quite a bit. As of now, I feel my best chance to win a slam is at the U.S. Open because of the speed of the surface and the solid footing.