Steve Johnson learns about losing on the ATP tour

Steve Johnson accomplished more in his four years at USC than any tennis player in NCAA history. He was a part of four team national championships, won two individual titles and set the record for most consecutive victories, with 72. However, there is one aspect of the sport he never quite discovered with the Trojans.

He never learned how to lose.

“It’s definitely going to be different,” Johnson said of a professional career in which losing is a harsh reality for even the greatest players. “It was a special last couple of years at USC, when I didn’t lose a match, so it’s kind of hard to comprehend sometimes.

“In the end, one guy wins every week out on the tour, so you have to be able to take losses and wins the same way and keep moving forward.”

Johnson is one of the top draws at the 86th annual Farmers Classic, which will be held at the L.A. Tennis Center at UCLA beginning Monday and will conclude Sunday. The tournament, which includes a 28-player singles draw and 16-team doubles draw, includes two-time tournament champion Sam Querrey and James Blake.

Although this is the third consecutive Farmers Classic for Johnson, his history at the tournament dates to before he was drawing headlines for his play.

“I can remember going with my parents to the Farmers Classic when I was a kid watching Pete Sampras and all those guys play,” said Johnson, who is ranked No. 402 worldwide. “Being able to play there on the same stage is definitely something special.

“I enjoy playing in that tournament. I’ve played in it three years now and it’s in my backyard. It’s on UCLA’s campus, so it’s a little more fun to be in enemy territory, I guess. It’s kind of my home tournament, and I look forward to going back every year.”

Although Johnson has studied Sampras, Andre Agassi and other greats for many years, he said he is ready to make a name for himself in professional tennis and someday win on the highest stage.

“That’s what you dream about as a kid — winning a Grand Slam,” he said. “I just hope to be able to compete in the next few years and have chances to be in that situation, and it’s something I look forward to.”

andrew.owens@latimes.com