As Leyden’s No. 1 singles player in tennis since her freshman year, junior Jessica Minkov thrives on 1-on-1 competition. Over the years, Minkov has learned how to negotiate pressure.
“There’s pressure in school and it’s mentally draining at times, especially if you’re taking AP and honors classes,” Minkov said. “But it’s a different experience for me, alone out on the court in a tough match, in terms of the pressure I feel.
“It’s exhausting and unique. I love the competition. Maybe you have to experience it to really understand it completely. But playing, practicing, and competing really helps you learn how to handle it.”
The lesson in handling pressure that Minkov learned during last year’s state tournament was extreme.
In their opening match, Minkov and Kylie McCarthy of Triad competed in a 3-hour, 40-minute match that went three sets. Minkov won the first set 6-0, and McCarthy won the second set 6-4. The third set went to a tie-breaker, during which Minkov had four match-point opportunities and McCarthy had five. McCarthy ultimately won the tie-breaker 14-12.
Afterward, Minkov had only 20 minutes to prepare for her consolation-round match. She lost that match, too, but departed the tournament with a grueling lesson learned.
“I was physically and mentally out of it in that second match,” Minkov said. “I was still focused in on the first one, still upset, and I wasn’t focused enough on the second match. I wasn’t mentally strong enough.
“I’ve played a lot of tough matches since my freshman year, and this year I feel much more mentally strong.”
Minkov entered Leyden with a strong backhand and an excellent baseline game. Those skills were enough to get her to the state tournament in her freshman and sophomore seasons.
She worked hard during the offseason, traveling to USTA tournaments with her father and developing other aspects of her game.
“Her biggest improvement this year was on her forehand side,” Leyden coach Robert Smith said. “She already had a great backhand. Her first serves are good, she just needs a little more work on her second serve, and her net play is also better. Overall, she’s playing much better.”
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Minkov started the season with a 9-2 record, with her only losses coming to Eliza Kirov of Niles West and Agata Mikos of Hinsdale South. Minkov said she likes to face elite competition.
“I definitely learn from players playing at my level or above my level,” she said. “When someone can attack your weaknesses, it shows you where you have to improve.”
Fellow Leyden junior and doubles player Dana Villamena said Minkov’s work ethic rubs off on her teammates.
“She’s one of my best friends and she’s always working hard,” Vallamena said of Minkov. “She always has a positive attitude that keeps us working hard as well.”
Minkov’s third attempt at a state berth will be difficult, as Leyden joins the field at the Class 2A Niles West Sectional this year. Kirov will be there, along with players from New Trier’s formidable program.
“I know a lot of the girls at that sectional, just from competing against them during the offseason,” Minkov said. “The New Trier girls are amazing players, and it will be tough. But I’m looking forward to it.
“I love playing players that are better than me, to see where I stand and how well I can handle the pressure.”
Gary Larsen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press