.png&type=webp)
University of Massachusets Athletics
Behind The Masses • UMass Tennis Blog • Janja Kovacevic Q&A
October 16, 2019 | Tennis
Janja Kovacevic is Jodie Annie Lawrence-Taylor's latest guest
Last week's exclusive, explosive and revealing interview with head coach Juancarlos Nunez was always going to be a tough act to follow. I wasn't sure if anyone would be capable of following such an interview, until it hit me: I'd just have to throw someone under the bus and I knew the perfect candidate.
This person has been a crucial member of the team since their debut in Fall, 2016. Beginning their career at the top of the line up, this player has produced incredible results and is always a joy to watch, using grace, finesse and precision to outplay her opposition. Throughout her time at UMass, she has contributed to many historic achievements for the programme. This is thanks to her high work ethic and drive to better not only herself, but those around her and ultimately the team. This determination certainly helps to inspire the rest of us, motivating us to reach heights that we did not believe were possible.
When it comes to match day, you won't find a teammate more supportive; even when she is locked in her own battle, she always ensures that she spares some energy to cheer for every other court. At times, she has even been prepared to put aside her own issues and sacrifice for the good of the team, whether it be by playing through injury or breathing with certain teammates at the back of the court to calm them down (totally not talking about myself…).
Off the court, you will struggle to find somebody as genuinely caring and kindhearted as she is. It is near impossible to spend time with her and not feel relaxed and content thanks to her calming presence (try not to mess with her though as the angry Eastern European side can be scary). The team has benefited from Janja's Kovacevic time at UMass in so many ways and I can't wait to see what further achievements lie ahead in her final year.
Jodie Annie Lawrence-Taylor: Janja, thanks for letting me throw you under the bus again. So, you're coming into your fourth year here now. During this time, many players work their way up through the line up, but you jumped right in to the No. 1 spot. How did you feel about this?
Janja Kovacevic: Honestly, it didn't feel right. It felt as if it wasn't my spot and the shoes were too big for me, especially as a freshman. It's fair to say I struggled with confidence and it took a lot of time to build this up; it wasn't until halfway through my junior year I got used to playing at No. 1. Coach JC told me at the end of my sophomore year that I should prepare to start playing in the top position but I don't think the terror of it hit me until the first time at the Brown Invitational. I still wouldn't complain if he moved me down to No. 2 though...
JALT: Yeah sorry mate, don't look at me to take your top spot, I lost 6-1, 6-1 when we tried that at Yale remember? If there are any other takers on the team though please contact Janja directly, she certainly seems open to negotiating a deal. So, I'm going to guess that a big reason that you were put at No. 1 during your freshman year was because you had obtained a WTA ranking before coming to college. Can you tell us a little about this accomplishment?
JK: It's pretty cool (this means she's proud of it, but is too awkward to admit it). Being able to say that I was WTA ranked is great but the times spent with my dad as I earned those points at 10k events are far more special to me than any number. He was my travel buddy: he drove me to every tournament that I played; supported me through every match; cried with me after I lost; celebrated with me after a win; even ended up with panda eye tan lines from wearing sunglasses all day. I wouldn't trade the memories we made staying in rundown hotels and eating dinner from the supermarket for the world.
JALT: I'm guessing you spent a lot of time traveling around Serbia with your dad so you must have seen all the best places; try and sell me on visiting your country. Remember, I come from London so I'm a tough customer.
JK: Well, you're from London so I'm not going to try and beat your city, but I will sell you on the countryside. If you go south of Belgrade, you end up in Šumadija. This region was named for a dense, impassable forest which covered the region during the late middle ages. Thankfully, there are less trees now so you can really see the beauty of the area; everywhere is covered in vibrant shades of green, framed by mountains in the distance, and the air is so clean. It's a really nice getaway from the city, so you should definitely try that; I think a break from the London smog could do you good. Another great thing to come to Serbia for is the food. We're known for all of our meats and potatoes, so it's the perfect place for a summer barbecue.
JALT: Cevapcici! The one Serbian word I know! Other than meat and potatoes, do you have any other favourite foods to eat?
JK: Sarma is a traditional Serbian dish that we usually eat during the colder part of the year. It's basically ground beef and/or pork with rice, wrapped in cabbage leaves and cooked for a long while. You can eat it hot or cold as an appetizer or main, up to you. Everyone at home loves it and it probably tops the list of foods I miss most; Jo can testify to this. I also have a huge thing for cakes and pastries, mostly thanks to my mum and her baking (and cooking) skills. I probably miss my mum's cooking more than any dish in particular.
JALT: Who doesn't miss their mum's cooking? Wait, actually I don't greatly. My mum is a wonderful lady but never let her near steak… Anyway, back to some more tennis focused questions: I know you got into the sport quite late, why was this?
JK: I started playing tennis when I was 10. I'd done a few sports before this, like track and volleyball, but I hadn't thought about trying tennis until I watched the WTA tournament in Rome on TV that I asked my dad if I could play. He didn't really jump to sign me up for it because at the time I was committed to track and field; instead, he took me to the courts and played with me for a laugh. I ended up liking it so he didn't really have a choice but to sign me up for my first tennis lesson a couple of weeks later.
JALT: Seems like you grew up playing a few different sports, but ultimately decided on tennis. We at UMass are very glad that was the case but why did you end up committing to this school?
JK: I don't have an interesting answer to this question: it was simply because of the computer science and engineering programs. They are top-notch and me, being the nerd that I am, prioritized academics over everything else. UMass felt like the right balance between athletics and school so I knew it was the best fit for me. I also liked the idea of moving away from big cities for the first time in my life and experiencing something new whilst still being able to continue playing the sport I am so passionate about.
JALT: I love that you own your title as a nerd. I mean you can't exactly deny it when you're obtaining a double major and minor, on top of working and playing for the team. For those of us who are slightly less productive with our time, do you have any time management tips?
JK: Honestly, there isn't much to it: all it comes down to is wanting to get everything done to the best of your ability. To do this, you need to make sure you have enough time for everything, so plan your days out! You will end up having to sometimes wake up early and go to bed late, but it's worth it to stop stress and hopefully get good grades.
JALT: I certainly admire your ability to function through sleep deprivation. If I get less than eight hours I'm a zombie. Thanks to your work ethic and planning skills, you've managed to obtain an incredibly high GPA whilst also being a part of some historic moments with the team. What would you say the greatest achievement you have been a part of is?
JK: I could be very basic and say winning A-10's at the end of my freshman year. It was amazing to be a part of the team that year and help win the conference for only the second time. However, I don't want to pick one achievement and let it overshadow everything else this team has accomplished. What I love the most is seeing how much progress we make every year. And it's not just about results; it's about the team growing closer, people having each other's backs, cheering each other on, and fighting for each other.
If I had to pick a personal achievement, it would most definitely be the fight and grit I have developed over the years; being a part of UMass tennis means you can't give up, you can't bail on your teammates, you can't walk off the court until you've left everything you have there. I didn't come in with these traits, but I'm so happy to be leaving with them.
JALT: It's great to hear that you think the team is progressing every year and that you have developed key skills that will help you throughout the rest of your life whilst at UMass; it seems like this school has really left a lasting impression on you. What would you say is the thing you'll miss the most after you graduate?
JK: The simple things: van rides; lockerroom gossips; nerve-wracking matches; tough losses; historic wins; the feeling of belonging somewhere. I might not always appreciate them at the time, but the memories are priceless. Just the thought of graduation and leaving UMass makes me sad; this school really has left a huge impact on me. I wish I could stick around for another year (and maybe another one after that).
JALT: Honestly, I think we wish that we could keep you. Unfortunately, I guess we all have to move on in life at some point but that doesn't mean you have to stop being a part of UMass tennis: you will always be a member of this team, as every alumni is, whether you like it or not.
Well, thanks for letting me bug you so much this week, and a special thank you for your contribution to "Behind the Masses" in a special entry about your time at the ITA All-American Championships. I'm sure everybody out there appreciated learning about your experience.
This person has been a crucial member of the team since their debut in Fall, 2016. Beginning their career at the top of the line up, this player has produced incredible results and is always a joy to watch, using grace, finesse and precision to outplay her opposition. Throughout her time at UMass, she has contributed to many historic achievements for the programme. This is thanks to her high work ethic and drive to better not only herself, but those around her and ultimately the team. This determination certainly helps to inspire the rest of us, motivating us to reach heights that we did not believe were possible.
When it comes to match day, you won't find a teammate more supportive; even when she is locked in her own battle, she always ensures that she spares some energy to cheer for every other court. At times, she has even been prepared to put aside her own issues and sacrifice for the good of the team, whether it be by playing through injury or breathing with certain teammates at the back of the court to calm them down (totally not talking about myself…).
Off the court, you will struggle to find somebody as genuinely caring and kindhearted as she is. It is near impossible to spend time with her and not feel relaxed and content thanks to her calming presence (try not to mess with her though as the angry Eastern European side can be scary). The team has benefited from Janja's Kovacevic time at UMass in so many ways and I can't wait to see what further achievements lie ahead in her final year.
Jodie Annie Lawrence-Taylor: Janja, thanks for letting me throw you under the bus again. So, you're coming into your fourth year here now. During this time, many players work their way up through the line up, but you jumped right in to the No. 1 spot. How did you feel about this?
Janja Kovacevic: Honestly, it didn't feel right. It felt as if it wasn't my spot and the shoes were too big for me, especially as a freshman. It's fair to say I struggled with confidence and it took a lot of time to build this up; it wasn't until halfway through my junior year I got used to playing at No. 1. Coach JC told me at the end of my sophomore year that I should prepare to start playing in the top position but I don't think the terror of it hit me until the first time at the Brown Invitational. I still wouldn't complain if he moved me down to No. 2 though...
JALT: Yeah sorry mate, don't look at me to take your top spot, I lost 6-1, 6-1 when we tried that at Yale remember? If there are any other takers on the team though please contact Janja directly, she certainly seems open to negotiating a deal. So, I'm going to guess that a big reason that you were put at No. 1 during your freshman year was because you had obtained a WTA ranking before coming to college. Can you tell us a little about this accomplishment?
JK: It's pretty cool (this means she's proud of it, but is too awkward to admit it). Being able to say that I was WTA ranked is great but the times spent with my dad as I earned those points at 10k events are far more special to me than any number. He was my travel buddy: he drove me to every tournament that I played; supported me through every match; cried with me after I lost; celebrated with me after a win; even ended up with panda eye tan lines from wearing sunglasses all day. I wouldn't trade the memories we made staying in rundown hotels and eating dinner from the supermarket for the world.
JALT: I'm guessing you spent a lot of time traveling around Serbia with your dad so you must have seen all the best places; try and sell me on visiting your country. Remember, I come from London so I'm a tough customer.
JK: Well, you're from London so I'm not going to try and beat your city, but I will sell you on the countryside. If you go south of Belgrade, you end up in Šumadija. This region was named for a dense, impassable forest which covered the region during the late middle ages. Thankfully, there are less trees now so you can really see the beauty of the area; everywhere is covered in vibrant shades of green, framed by mountains in the distance, and the air is so clean. It's a really nice getaway from the city, so you should definitely try that; I think a break from the London smog could do you good. Another great thing to come to Serbia for is the food. We're known for all of our meats and potatoes, so it's the perfect place for a summer barbecue.
JALT: Cevapcici! The one Serbian word I know! Other than meat and potatoes, do you have any other favourite foods to eat?
JK: Sarma is a traditional Serbian dish that we usually eat during the colder part of the year. It's basically ground beef and/or pork with rice, wrapped in cabbage leaves and cooked for a long while. You can eat it hot or cold as an appetizer or main, up to you. Everyone at home loves it and it probably tops the list of foods I miss most; Jo can testify to this. I also have a huge thing for cakes and pastries, mostly thanks to my mum and her baking (and cooking) skills. I probably miss my mum's cooking more than any dish in particular.
JALT: Who doesn't miss their mum's cooking? Wait, actually I don't greatly. My mum is a wonderful lady but never let her near steak… Anyway, back to some more tennis focused questions: I know you got into the sport quite late, why was this?
JK: I started playing tennis when I was 10. I'd done a few sports before this, like track and volleyball, but I hadn't thought about trying tennis until I watched the WTA tournament in Rome on TV that I asked my dad if I could play. He didn't really jump to sign me up for it because at the time I was committed to track and field; instead, he took me to the courts and played with me for a laugh. I ended up liking it so he didn't really have a choice but to sign me up for my first tennis lesson a couple of weeks later.
JALT: Seems like you grew up playing a few different sports, but ultimately decided on tennis. We at UMass are very glad that was the case but why did you end up committing to this school?
JK: I don't have an interesting answer to this question: it was simply because of the computer science and engineering programs. They are top-notch and me, being the nerd that I am, prioritized academics over everything else. UMass felt like the right balance between athletics and school so I knew it was the best fit for me. I also liked the idea of moving away from big cities for the first time in my life and experiencing something new whilst still being able to continue playing the sport I am so passionate about.
JALT: I love that you own your title as a nerd. I mean you can't exactly deny it when you're obtaining a double major and minor, on top of working and playing for the team. For those of us who are slightly less productive with our time, do you have any time management tips?
JK: Honestly, there isn't much to it: all it comes down to is wanting to get everything done to the best of your ability. To do this, you need to make sure you have enough time for everything, so plan your days out! You will end up having to sometimes wake up early and go to bed late, but it's worth it to stop stress and hopefully get good grades.
JALT: I certainly admire your ability to function through sleep deprivation. If I get less than eight hours I'm a zombie. Thanks to your work ethic and planning skills, you've managed to obtain an incredibly high GPA whilst also being a part of some historic moments with the team. What would you say the greatest achievement you have been a part of is?
JK: I could be very basic and say winning A-10's at the end of my freshman year. It was amazing to be a part of the team that year and help win the conference for only the second time. However, I don't want to pick one achievement and let it overshadow everything else this team has accomplished. What I love the most is seeing how much progress we make every year. And it's not just about results; it's about the team growing closer, people having each other's backs, cheering each other on, and fighting for each other.
If I had to pick a personal achievement, it would most definitely be the fight and grit I have developed over the years; being a part of UMass tennis means you can't give up, you can't bail on your teammates, you can't walk off the court until you've left everything you have there. I didn't come in with these traits, but I'm so happy to be leaving with them.
JALT: It's great to hear that you think the team is progressing every year and that you have developed key skills that will help you throughout the rest of your life whilst at UMass; it seems like this school has really left a lasting impression on you. What would you say is the thing you'll miss the most after you graduate?
JK: The simple things: van rides; lockerroom gossips; nerve-wracking matches; tough losses; historic wins; the feeling of belonging somewhere. I might not always appreciate them at the time, but the memories are priceless. Just the thought of graduation and leaving UMass makes me sad; this school really has left a huge impact on me. I wish I could stick around for another year (and maybe another one after that).
JALT: Honestly, I think we wish that we could keep you. Unfortunately, I guess we all have to move on in life at some point but that doesn't mean you have to stop being a part of UMass tennis: you will always be a member of this team, as every alumni is, whether you like it or not.
Well, thanks for letting me bug you so much this week, and a special thank you for your contribution to "Behind the Masses" in a special entry about your time at the ITA All-American Championships. I'm sure everybody out there appreciated learning about your experience.
Players Mentioned
/ Tennis
/ Tennis
Tennis Highlights vs. Binghamton (01/26/20)
Sunday, January 26
Tennis Highlights vs. Fordham (04/19/19)
Friday, April 19
UMass vs. Rhode Island Tennis Highlights (04/18/19)
Thursday, April 18
Tennis Highlights vs. GW (03/30/19)
Saturday, March 30