Jovanovic Thriving In Freshman Season At State
February 10, 2023 | Men's Tennis
STARKVILLE – Growing up, Petar Jovanovic had never really given much thought to playing college tennis.
After all, Jovanovic already had a thriving tennis career in his home country of Montenegro and had won five tournaments across a two-year span on the ITF Junior circuit and ranked 72nd in the world.
But several Serbian players that Jovanovic respects gave favorable reviews of their college careers in the United States and suggested that he entertain that option as well. And it just so happens around that same time, Mississippi State coaches Matt Roberts and Jake Jacoby were overseas looking for new talent to add to their roster back in Starkville. Â
Roberts and Jacoby made it to several of Jovanovic's matches to scout him in person and offered him that opportunity. One aspect that helped the Bulldogs' chances of landing his commitment was the fact he was familiar with two players on MSU's roster. He had played against Carles Hernandez and was already friends with Nemanja Malesevic.
"I did not really consider college until the last half-year before I came here," Jovanovic said. "But I heard a lot of good things about college tennis, so I decided that this was the right decision for me."
Jovanovic has flourished since his arrival in the fall. The 6-foot-4 freshman has posted a 15-2 overall singles record in addition to winning eight doubles matches as well. He was also named the SEC's first Freshman of the Week this spring and ranked as highly as 107th by the ITA.
"Petar is one of the most coachable guys we've had in years," Roberts said. "He listens really well, and he applies the advice we give him. He's very open to trying things, whether it's technically or strategically. He just naturally has a good ability to play his best when it means the most, you can't really teach that.
"When you combine him just developing a lot of areas that we're trying to help him with and him just having that natural instinct to focus the right time, that's going to reward you. That's what we're seeing with him. It has been a fun semester and a half with him so far, just to see him grow."
Jovanovic is currently 9-0 during dual match singles play and is riding a 12-match winning streak dating back to the fall. It is the longest winning streak by a Bulldog since Nuno Borges reeled off 31 consecutive victories in 2019.
One of Jovanovic's triumphs this spring came against a ranked opponent and he has clinched three matches from the top two positions in the lineup. Jovanovic has also teamed up with Gregor Ramskogler in doubles to post a 6-2 mark this spring.
"I enjoy playing and I enjoy working hard, so that is why I am getting good results," Jovanovic said. "I am really happy with my game right now. I am really happy with the game of all of the team as well. I feel like our hard work is really paying off and we are playing every match better and better."
Jovanovic credits much of his success this spring to all of the individual matches he had back during the fall. He posted a 6-2 singles record last semester where he reached the Round of 16 at the ITA Southern Regional Championships and helped the conference claim the SEC-Big 12 Challenge by contributing four total victories to the cause.
"I needed one or two months to get used to all the new environment, new style of tennis and new practices," Jovanovic said. "But I feel like it was really important that got here in the fall."
With Jovanovic off to such an incredible start to his college career, it's hard to not look ahead at what his potential could be for the Bulldogs moving forward. He's already showcased a tremendous talent level and work ethic but his coaches have had Jovanovic and the entire team locked in on where their feet are.
"You can't live in the future or the past," Roberts said. "The biggest thing we're focused on with our team is living in the moment and not letting external opinions or your own thoughts effect what you're doing right now...Petar is very accountable for himself and has been a good example for the guys. He's been a great addition to the team for sure."
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