University of Minnesota Athletics
First Serve With Justyn Levin
9/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
For our final "First Serve" get to know the freshmen feature meet Justyn Levin out of Melbourne, Australia. He was top ten in the country for his age and earned a ranking of 92 for all ages. He competed internationally on the ITF junior and senior circuit, nationally in Australian Tournaments along with playing club tennis for the Kooyong Lawn Tennis club and Maccabi tennis club, just to name a few of his accomplishments.
Gopher Sports: What caught your eye about Minnesota and the men's tennis program?
Justyn Levin: I did visit a few other schools but the thing that got me was the team. They are really friendly. The coaches were really nice. Probably the best coaches I met on my trip. Also just the balance between academics and tennis. The academics are one of the best in the world I think.
GS: Can you talk about your previous tennis experience?
JL: In Australia you do not really have too much team tennis. There was no tennis team in my high school so it was all about playing for yourself outside of school. I played in Australian tournaments which I have been playing in for a quite a long time and quite about of ITF junior tournaments. Lately a few futures which is the lowest level on the pro-circuit.
GS: What is it about the game of tennis that you love so much?
JL: Everything is on you I guess. You have to deal with your own problems. Nobody can help you with anything. It is the only sport where you can't get any advice at any period during your match. It really teaches you a lot of good lessons in life as well. It is a grueling tough sport. You have to dig yourself out of situations that are pretty much impossible to do. That is the aspect I love the most.
GS: If you could play a tennis match against any celebrity who would you choose and why?
JL: I am a really big fan of soccer and of the English Premier League. I am a big Spurs supporter. Our best player that now transferred to Real Madrid, Gareth Bale, is my favorite player so I would really love to play against him and beat him at something. I would hope he would remember me in something and it would be really fun.
GS: Did you do anything fun and exciting this summer?
JL: I did get a new coach who was really interesting to get to know. He taught me a lot of things and was a former top 100 player in the world so spending a lot of time with him was really great. Just played a lot of tennis really. It was nice because I played with not having anything else to worry about since I finished school back in November. It was great to just have my mind on one thing.
GS: What are you most excited for this school year and season?
JL: I guess just college tennis and just the team environment. Getting close with all the teammates. I heard college tennis is completely different than anything else you have ever played in with the atmosphere and I am just looking forward to getting to know that kind of tennis, working hard and getting better.
Players Mentioned
