In a recent exclusive interview with Tennis World USA, Mateo Bivol, the talented tennis player from Monmouth University ranked No.12 in the ITA Northeast Regional Rankings, delved into a wide range of intriguing topics. Bivol, who was also part of the First Team of All-CAA Awards, provided insights into his reflections on the just-concluded season with the Hawks, his aspirations for the future, and his thoughts on the state of American tennis.
Reflecting on the season, Bivol expressed a mix of satisfaction and regret, saying, “It was a decent season, but I feel like we were close to doing a lot better. There were moments where we showed great potential, and with a bit more consistency, we could have achieved even more.” He highlighted the importance of playing aggressively and confidently in high-pressure situations but acknowledged the need to work on maintaining consistency throughout matches.
Looking ahead, Bivol shared his goals for the next year, stating, “The goals for next year are to achieve a higher ranking than this season and to win the CAA.” He recognized the challenges posed by balancing academics with tennis, noting, “The main difficulty is time management, as school takes up a lot of time and we also need to dedicate substantial time to tennis to be successful. Finding ways to catch up with missed classes and managing physical and mental fatigue are also challenging.”
When asked about the support system available to him, Bivol mentioned the presence of a mental coach who plays a crucial role in ensuring the players’ mental well-being. He stated, “Yes, we have a great mental coach available to us, who visits regularly to check on us and provide valuable tips. This support is crucial for maintaining our mental well-being.”
Overall, Bivol provided a comprehensive look into his thoughts and experiences as a young tennis player at Monmouth University, shedding light on the intricacies of balancing academics and athletics, the importance of mental health in sports, and his ambitious goals for the future. As he continues to strive for excellence on and off the court, Bivol’s journey promises to be an exciting one to watch.