University of Minnesota Athletics
First Serve With Marino Alpeza
9/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
This week get to know incoming fresman Marino Alpeza. He Represented his home country, Bosnia, in many tournaments, won four national championships, played in three European championships and scored his first ATP point this past January just to name a few of his accomplishments.
Gopher Sports: What caught your eye about Minnesota and the men's tennis program?
Marino Alpeza: The thing that really made me come here was the men's tennis team. I will probably try pro after. The coaches were great. I got visited in Mostar so that was kind of a big deal to me to see the coaches and see what they were like.
GS: Can you talk about your previous tennis experience?
MA: There is no sports in school in Bosnia actually so you play by yourself. I have played a few tournaments with the national team so that was fun. I am looking forward to playing the next season.
GS: What is it about the game of tennis that you love so much?
MA: I like that you are out there alone. You are trying your best and so is your opponent. It is tough sometimes to play out there alone especially at some big tournaments. You want someone by your side but you don't have anyone. That is probably the best thing about tennis.
GS: If you could play a tennis match against any celebrity who would you choose and why?
MA: I would probably play Rafael Nadal. He is my idol. It would be kind of cool to play against him one day.
GS: Did you do anything fun and exciting this summer?
MA: I went on vacation with my family in Croatia that was kind of fun. Best four days of my life.
GS: What are you most excited for when this school year?
MA: I am looking forward to the season. It is going to be fun to feel the atmosphere, the matches and the pressure. I am looking forward to the guy who is coming in January from Croatia. It is nice to have another guy around who can speak your native language.
Players Mentioned
