Nonahood News had the opportunity to interview Lake Nona Luminary Middle School student Mona Makarevic, a decorated tennis player with 16 medals and eight trophies. At 12 years old, Mona plays on every tennis court: regular hard court, grey clay, red clay, synthetic and real grass. In WTN (World Tennis Number), Mona currently stands 15th in the region and 154th in the state of Florida for the 12-and-under age group. Here is her interview with us.

Nonahood News: Tell us your name and three fun facts about yourself! 

Mona Makarevic: My name is Mona Makarevic and my three fun facts are I love to hang out with my friends, travel and play the violin. My favorite place for travel is Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

NHN: When did you start playing tennis and what got you into the sport?

MM: I started to play tennis at the USTA Lake Nona campus when I was 4/5 years old. Since then, I have gone through all categories, red ball, orange ball, orange ball plus, orange ball club,  green ball and the last level where I am now is yellow ball. Since my first tournament when I was 6 years old, I participated in 24 tournaments, and I won 22 tournaments and 2 tournaments I finished in 2^nd place.

NHN: Who’s been your biggest tennis influence – like a coach, parent, or even a pro?

MM: My biggest influences are my dad and the greatest tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic.

NHN: How do you get ready before a big match?

MM: Before every tournament, I prepare in many different ways, including mental preparation and more intense training.

NHN: What do you tell yourself to stay confident on the court?

MM: My experience gives me more confidence to win.

NHN: Do you have a favorite tournament or match you’ve played in?

MM: Every tournament has to be valued and the importance of one of them is my biggest trophy, which has intense matches to win. For me, a very important win was during the tournament at USTA 2022, Billie Jean tournament (10 & Under). I was the winner in the South Division group. 

NHN: What’s something in tennis that was hard at first but you’ve gotten better at?

MM: One of the skills I have improved throughout my career is my serves.

NHN: What motivates you to keep practicing even when it is hard?

MM: My biggest motivation is to practice tennis, to get better at tennis, and to become the number one tennis player in the world.

NHN: If you had to give your tennis racket a name, what would it be?

MM: I am playing with my favorite brand racket Head, and I would name it “Power.”

NHN: What advice would you give to other kids just starting out with tennis?

MM: My advice to other kids is to trust in yourself and to never give up.

NHN: Where do you see yourself as a player in a few years?

MM: I see myself in the future playing a tournament at Wimbledon.