Aleksandar Vukic Triumphs with Strategic Long-Game Approach
Aleksandar Vukic, a 29-year-old tennis player from Australia, has embraced a unique path in professional tennis. Unlike many of his peers who began competing at a young age, Vukic balanced his academic pursuits with his athletic career. He completed a finance degree at the University of Illinois while participating in the NCAA Big Ten Conference.
A Long-Game Approach to Tennis Success
Reflecting on his journey, Vukic acknowledged that he was not a standout junior player. He compared himself to rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, noting the different trajectories players often take. “Everyone develops differently,” he stated, emphasizing his choice to play it safe with education.
Proving His Worth
Vukic’s determination paid off as he gradually climbed the ranks. Beginning his professional career in Challenger and ITF events in the 2010s, he faced challenges typical for many athletes, questioning whether he might have to pivot to a career in finance sooner than expected. After finishing his college tenure with a ranking between 500 and 600, he committed to honing his game.
Career Milestones
- 2021: Achieved first ATP match win.
- 2022: Reached first career quarterfinal at the Adelaide International.
- 2023: Broke into the ATP top 50 and reached his maiden final in Atlanta.
- Notable Grand Slam performance: Advanced to the third round at the 2022 Australian Open.
During the Australian Open, Vukic displayed remarkable resilience. He defeated Damir Dzumhur and the 22nd seed, Sebastian Korda, both in five-set matches, and pushed 15th seed Jack Draper to a super tiebreak. “I found out a lot about myself and my physical limits,” Vukic remarked.
Current Standing and Future Prospects
Now, Vukic is back in the Adelaide International, having advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time. He is set to compete against second-seeded American Tommy Paul. Despite being viewed as the underdog, Vukic carries the support of the home crowd and a growing confidence from recent victories over top-ranked players, including Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud.
His consistent performance on the court has fostered a strong belief in his abilities. “If I play my game, I give myself a shot to win,” he stated confidently.
