Q&A with Bobby Reynolds

© Marco MaximoBobby Reynolds won two ATP Challenger Tour titles in 2011.

At 29 years old, Bobby Reynolds is the oldest player competing at the ATP Challenger Tour Finals. The American qualified for the eight-player field in Sao Paulo after a strong season that saw him win two titles in four finals.

Reynolds told ATPWorldTour.com the importance of playing a big tournament in South America, how tough the ATP Challenger Tour is, and his view on the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals that begin on Sunday.

How important is the inaugural ATP Challenger Finals?
It's a great idea. Guys like us play the whole year in Challengers and it's a reward. And also to have the chance to come to a different place and an atmosphere like this it's great and we feel very comfortable.

What do you think about Sao Paulo?
They've done a good job and it will be here for a couple of years. I hope they continue and have the chance also to visit other cities and countries so the players can compete in great venues.

With your experience, how competitive is the ATP Challenger Tour these days?
It's tough, all the guys are fighting to get to the top; first at the Challengers and when the ranking goes up having a shot at the ATP level. There's a lot of guys competing that fluctuate between No. 60 and 130 so it's a tough competition where everybody plays well.

Has there been an evolution of the game during recent years?
Of course. There are so many guys around the world these days that you know play well on clay and then you see them play at an unbelievable level on hard-courts, like Machado this week. The competition around the world is remarkable.

What's your feeling about the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals that begin on Sunday?
Those guys are so good and it's really big. Roger [Federer] is playing well and he's taken two titles back-to-back. You never know who's healthy at the end of the year and who has the drive to make it. It will be tough matches like here, a couple of points here and there.