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Former UCLA standout Clay Thompson ended his first full year on the professional circuit with a semifinal finish at the JSM Champaign Challenger, but the year had started quite differently. Thompson learned that life on the tour was nothing like it had been playing college tennis.

The unseeded 23 year old finished the year on a high note, reaching the semifinals of the last USTA pro circuit of the year. But what many people didn't realize is that Thompson had never even won a match at a challenger event before.

"It's amazing, really amazing," he said after the match.

When asked what he felt was responsible for his massive success in Champaign, Thompson didn't have to think long.

"I attribute it to learning the professional environment more and more as I go on since graduating from college. I think this week especially I competed with a high level and intensity - and just a high level of focus."

He went on to explain exactly what he feels the focus issue is.

"Across the board I think it's something a lot of players struggle with - especially transitioning from college to pros, but even from juniors to college. At every level, the guys are more focused, and they're not going to space out on you."

"In juniors, you can get away with spacing out on two games a set. In college, you can get away with spacing out on a few points here and there. In pros, you space out on one point and you can lose the match right there. The best thing I can tell you is that I improved my focus and intensity. I need to keep that going."

UCLA was a good fit for the Venice Beach native.

"I went to a private high school, and I wanted to go to UCLA early to focus on a degree there," Thompson acknowledged.

The one thing Clay Thompson has mixed feelings about is how the college experience transfers into professional tennis.