BIANCA CERONI

𝗕𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶 [on the right] and 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗼 are the 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗨16 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀in the U16 Fischer Outdoor National Championships at the Milton Tennis Club this summer.

Doug Burke elaborates. "A couple of years ago we realized that Bianca didn’t seem to be fulfilling her potential, so in keeping with one of the essential pillars of the ACE System which we have spent a lot of time developing; we focused on putting together a team centred around the proper management of Bianca in order to maximize the resources at hand for the benefit of the player (Bianca). Of course Bianca’s family, who are extremely supportive, had to be an integral part of the team, and are consulted/made aware of the decisions for her training and competitive plans, and the reasons for them. 

Kiril Kudyma (our Tennis Director) has been Bianca’s day to day coach, while Adrian Boubalos (Fitness Director) deals with the fitness component of her training and development. Pierre Lamarche and myself have been involved on the overall management side, and somewhat on court as well. As a team we have worked hard to identify the long term priorities for her and design a training and competitive program centred around these. Initially, three players; Bianca. Andrea Cabio, and Alex Andre were involved, and we endeavoured to demonstrate to all how effective the team approach can be. Several other players are now benefitting from this type of assistance. You will see by some of Bianca’s comment’s below how she feels has benefitted from this approach. Bianca has demonstrated a true passion and commitment to her development, without which we would all not be willing to assist in this way."

How did you first get into tennis, and what motivated you to pursue it at a competitive level?

My dad actually played a little bit of tennis as a junior and he thought I might enjoy it as I was a pretty energetic kid so they put me in the Mini Aces program. From that moment on tennis has been such a huge, important part of my life. I’ve always loved the sport and the dynamic at Ace really inspired me to pursue it competitively as I grew older around kids who had the same goals as me. 

What does your typical training routine look like in terms of hours on the court and fitness?

I typically train around 20 hours a week on court and spend 5 hours doing fitness. Three times a week I go before school for an hour and a half practice and the rest is later in the afternoon after I finish school.

How do you handle the pressure of competitions and maintain focus during intense matches?

I think I’m definitely still learning how to deal with pressure and expectations during matches, but I really have worked on having a specific routine before I play and even between points that helps me reset and refocus.

Could you share a particularly challenging moment or match you've faced and how you overcame it?

Earlier this year I was playing in my Under 16 Indoor Provincials semi final match and I unfortunately slipped and fell, injuring my back. I was barely able to walk and was in a lot of pain. Despite that I still tried to continue playing and really gave everything I had which led to me actually winning that match. When I fell, I didn’t see it as an unlucky thing that happened to me but more of an opportunity to prove to myself how resilient I can be and how even in tough situations I can still find a way to give my best effort. 

How do you strike a balance between academics or other commitments and your rigorous tennis schedule?

I think the most important thing for me in balancing academics, my personal life, or whatever it may be with tennis is accepting that perfectionism is not possible and striving for it won’t help you succeed. I try to focus on what I can control, specifically in using my time as efficiently as possible. 

What are your long-term goals in tennis?

My long term goals in tennis are to go and play at a good division I school in the US for college!