Senior Dennis Nevolo, ranked No. 7 in the 2011-12 Division I Preseason Men's Singles Rankings, finished runner-up at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Championships last month at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. A 5-foot-10 senior from Gurnee, Ill., Nevolo earned his first career ITA All-America honor after reaching the round of 16 at the NCAA Singles Championships last season and was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection following his junior year. He recently took time to speak to USTA.com about why he chose Illinois, how he feels about playing close to home, his plans after graduation and much more.
USTA.com: You were one of the top recruits in the class of 2008. Why did you choose Illinois?
Dennis Nevolo: I chose Illinois for a number of different reasons. I really liked the history of the program. I thought it would be really cool to join a program that had produced top-100 players, like Amer Delic and Kevin Anderson. I also saw some home matches when I was younger and saw some of the great crowds that came in. Lastly, I felt very strong about the program and vision that Head Coach Brad Dancer had for me.
USTA.com: Is it nice playing close to home? Does your family make it out for many matches?
Dennis Nevolo: It is very nice, even though I don’t go home very much other than the holidays. But it is nice knowing home isn’t too far. My family loves to come down and watch the home matches. Being from Illinois, it’s pretty easy for them to travel to most of my away matches, as well.
USTA.com: What are your goals for yourself and for your team this season?
Dennis Nevolo: This season it’s pretty clear. I want to keep improving and give myself a chance to win the NCAA Championships. As for my team, we are all working hard to do the same.
USTA.com: It’s a known fact that your home crowds in Champaign can be pretty crazy. Which opposing school has the toughest crowds to play in front of?
Dennis Nevolo: I know Duke likes to get a good crowd against us, and I felt they had a good amount of people last time I was there. The one thing that caught me off guard there was a guy in a gorilla suit. I thought that was pretty funny.
USTA.com: What is a typical day like for you?
Dennis Nevolo: A typical day for me would be to wake up and go to a couple classes. Then eat some lunch, and go practice. After practice, we typically have weights, and then I study or sleep.
USTA.com: Who have been the biggest influences in your tennis career?
Dennis Nevolo: My biggest influences would have to be my parents and grandparents. They have supported me throughout my career so far.
USTA.com: Closing in on the end of your career at Illinois, do you have a match that sticks out as being particularly memorable?
Dennis Nevolo: I have two matches that stick out the most, and they both happen to be against the University of Florida. My freshman year, I clinched in a three-setter, and then again my junior year, I clinched in another three-setter.
USTA.com: What’s your favorite thing about college tennis?
Dennis Nevolo: My favorite thing is being with your teammates. You always have someone to practice with, and it’s a lot of fun to have your coaches and friends around all the time.
USTA.com: What is your plan after graduation?
Dennis Nevolo: I plan on playing some Futures after the season. I will still have one semester left of school to finish, so I will see how things are going after the summer. I really want to play a full schedule of pro tournaments, though.
USTA.com: What advice do you have for junior tennis players who want to play in college?
Dennis Nevolo: I would say take all of your visits. Really try to get a feel for the type of team you will be playing for, and ask a lot of questions. Also, manage your time wisely once you’re in school.