A sports fan doesn’t often think about the mental side of sports, but they see the physical side of it constantly. For Linda Kornienko, the mental side of sports is the most important.
The daughter of a former professional volleyball player in Russia, Linda Kornienko possessed the genes to become a stand-out athlete no matter which sport she chose. Kornienko, a sophomore biology student, is a member of the NSU tennis team but it wasn’t her only option growing up.
She followed in the steps of fellow Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova by choosing tennis instead of gymnastics, which is much more popular in Russia. Although she participated in both sports, eventually Kornienko chose to just pursue tennis. This was the logical choice following in both her older brother and parents’ footsteps.
“My parents put me into it and I just fell in love with it and I have been playing ever since,” said Kornienko. “My older brother used to play and my parents still play for fun.”
Tennis is both physically and mentally exhausting. Players like Kornienko know that they must stay mentally strong if they want to win each of their matches.
“The physical definitely helps but, yes, tennis is such a mental game, so if you go out there and you don’t want to play, then it doesn’t matter how physically fit you are; you can still lose,” said Kornienko. “I try to stay positive during my matches and keep on fighting to the last point.”
She has found more success this year, especially in her double game where she and her partner, Juliet Serabien, have enjoyed a 12-1 record. Winning also helps with the mental side of her game.
“I think it’s really cool this year. Juliet and I have been winning a lot of our conference matches and I think that’s a really big accomplishment. This year’s doubles have been going really well,” said Kornienko.
Her success is a direct link to all the hard work that she has been putting into her game.
“This year, I have definitely improved a lot and the record shows it compared to last year. Physically and mentally, I have gotten stronger as well. We’ve had a pretty good season so far.”
The tennis team, in general, has followed in the footsteps on Kornienko by improving its play as a team over the past year. They have righted a few wrongs that they encountered last year.
“The team has been doing well. We’ve stepped up our game level and we’ve beaten a lot of teams that beat us [last year]. Everyone is trying really hard and everyone is giving their best to finish strong,” said Kornienko.
The team bond has also been a contributing factor to not only Kornienko’s game but also to her teammates. The tight-knit group spends a lot of time on and off the court together and it’s this bond that has forged a close team. Teams that have close friendships play as teams and not a group of individuals and that can make all the difference for a successful season.
“We are all so close. I’m really lucky I came to Nova. I’ve heard stories from my other tennis friends and they don’t get along with the girls on their team at all. It makes it unbearable to play tennis,” said Kornienko.
I sat down with Linda Kornienko and ask her a few question to help get to know her better.
What is your greatest strength?
“I really like my over-head shot.”
What’s one of weaknesses?
“My consistency.”
Do you prefer singles or doubles?
“Doubles. I just think doubles is more fun. You have somebody on the court with you, who is going through exactly what you are going through. Like I said, I like my overheads and I get a lot more of those in doubles.”
What would you like to do after you graduate?
“I am in the pre-dental program. So after I graduate, I hope to go to dental school. I have wanted to do it since I was 13 years old.”
Who is your favorite athlete?
“Novak Djokovic [pro tennis player]. He brings a lot of character to the game. He’s really funny. He’s a really good player too.”
What do you do for fun outside of tennis?
“I’m a real girly girl so I like to go shopping and get my nails done.”
What pro would you like to play with?
“Maria Sharapova. Then I could speak Russian with her, too.”
Which of the four professional tennis majors would you most like to play in?
“The Australian Open because I want to go to Australia.”
What is your favorite food?
“Chinese food. Nothing specific. I love all types of food.”
If you could play another sport at NSU, what would it be?
“Probably volleyball. My mom used to be a pro in Russia. And I’m tall.”
Do you have any rituals before matches?
“I just like to take care of my body before a match. So I make sure I get at least eight hours of sleep and drink two bottles of water before and after the match.”
What is your favorite television show?
“‘Bates Motel.’ All the girls are into it.”
If there was a movie based on your life, who would play you in it?
“I really like Jennifer Lawerence.”
