Fernie Ruano, Jr.

“I’ll have a piece of cheesecake please.”

That’s a frequent request coming from WTA No. 3 Agnieszka Radwanska, the third-seed at the 2014 Sony Open Tennis, whenever the Polish star heads to The Cheesecake Factory, where her infatuation with cheesecake reached a fever pitch. That’s of course if 2012 Wimbledon finalist isn’t too busy blasting two-handed backhands across the net with two goals in mind: Winning a Grand Slam and becoming No. 1.

Radwanksa’s push to the top is currently in session in Key Biscayne, where the 2012 Sony Open champion recently put it all on the table for us, including her belief that she can have her cheesecake and eat it too.

There is always great competition (at the Sony Open) and Miami is a great city. We have the best players in the world here… it’s motivating for me because the Sony Open is a great challenge to see where you’re at for the rest of the year.

Why is becoming the No. 1 player in the world so important to you?

AR: It’s part of the motivation for me … I want to be regarded as the best player in the world. It’s the reason why I play the game and continue to work on my game and try to get better every day.

So, you recently signed a sponsorship with The Cheesecake Factory. Be honest now: How many pieces of cheesecake can you eat?

AR: (Laughs) Ha… not too much when I’m training. Oh, I went there a couple years ago in Miami and I really like cheesecake. It’s a good opportunity for me and I’m very happy with it right now.

So, how many piece of cheesecake can you eat?

AR: Oh, only one but I love going there and in Miami they have one I really like a lot.

What do you think has been your greatest accomplishment of your career so far?

AR: Well, 2012 was a great year for me and I would do anything to do it again; every title makes me happy, winning is always great.

What keeps you motivated to play tennis?

AR: This is a job; you play and train to compete against the best players and that’s the best part. I love what I do.

What is something people might not know about you?

AR: I don’t have much spare time, but I’m studying tourism in Poland. I also rollerblade with my sister when I have the time.