milica zivanovic By: Irvin Ramsay
M
ilicia is a Mississauga native, who has played tennis for 11 years. She is currently training in Los Angeles, for a series of pro tournaments stating in March. I had an opportunity to exchange thoughts with her, to gain some insight into this aspiring tennis star.
One day “I was watching my older sister play a tennis tournament at our local club, and I remember watching how her opponent used a racket trick to pick up a ball. I thought it was so cool and I really wanted to pick up a racket and try it myself. That was the first time I considered playing tennis”. Currently Milicia is managing her pro career herself. “It’s been a difficult transition, from organized funded practices and tournaments (including her D-1 scholarship), to having to organize practices, and support myself ”. She states it’s been an interesting experience searching for the level of training and support that she needs to get to the next level, to achieve her goals. Milicia finished her undergrad scholarship playing D-1 and had an amazing winning streak against the top 20 schools. Some of her memorable matches where against Pepperdine, Washington and a few meetings with Cal Berkley. Also this summer she played a few WTA Tournaments which put her in the direction she wants to go. Milicia is perfecting her skills currently by working on her shot and a few other techniques. Milica intends to start climbing up the list by year end and win or make consistent placement. Long term, she would like to play in Grand Slams and play bigger tournaments and leave her mark. “I am at a stage where everything seems so exciting and beautiful right now”, she states I see myself playing amazing tennis and doing everything I can to make myself a better player every day, every hour in the gym or on the court just means so much more when you know where it’s going to get you. 32 localiez