From First Serve to Final Set: Alvin Nicholas Tudorica’s Pursuit of Purpose and Perfection in Tennis

Alvin Nicholas Tudorica is more than just a rising force in the world of tennis he’s a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the power of persistence. From picking up a racket at age five alongside his sister, to battling through moments of doubt, anxiety, and even thoughts of walking away from the sport, Alvin’s journey is fueled by passion and a mindset transformation that redefined his approach to the game. With no full-time coach or training base, he has carved his own path, leaning on grit, self-discipline, and a deep love for the sport to earn his place among professionals. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always about having the perfect setup, it’s about heart, courage, and committing fully to the process.

What age did you start playing tennis and what got you into the sport?
I started playing tennis at the age of 5. My dad got me into the sport. I have a sister who’s two years older, and we both started around the same time. My dad would bring us to the courts and that’s how it all began.

Who was your biggest influence or role model when you started playing tennis?
I’ve never really idolized anyone, but if I had to choose someone, I’d say Rafael Nadal. He’s also a lefty and is known for his incredible work ethic and mental toughness.

What’s your current training routine like during the season?
This past year, I’ve been training quite a bit at the University of South Florida, where I played college tennis. I join team practices or train on my own with guys from the team. I don’t have a set base or a personal tennis or fitness coach right now, so I figure things out as I go.

How do you prepare mentally before a big match?
Recently, I’ve taken a much more relaxed approach. I used to get really stressed and didn’t talk to anyone before matches, but I got tired of feeling that way. Now, I try not to care too much about the result and just commit to playing my game. That shift has helped me enjoy the game more and led to some of my best wins of the year.

What’s your favorite shot to hit on the court and why?
My favorite shot is the backhand down the line. I’ve always loved my backhand, and there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing a point with a clean winner down the line.

Which surface do you prefer playing on—hard, clay, or grass?
I grew up playing on hard courts, so that’s definitely my preferred surface. All my best results have come on hard. I’ve never played on grass, but maybe I’d like it even more—though I doubt it.

What’s the most memorable match you’ve ever played in?
I have a few, my first is probably when I came back from 1-6,1-4 down to win 1-6,7-6,6-4 against the number 1 from USC at the time to make the quarter finals of fall nationals my senior year. Another one is of course when I won my first pro title, I played very good that week and had a convincing win in the finals 6-2,6-3. My last one is say is when I won my second pro title, this one is meaningful because I had a heartbreaking loss the week before having a match point so to win the very next week without dropping a set and 7-6,6-4 in finals was an unreal feeling and definitely one I’ll never forget.

How do you handle losses and bounce back from tough matches?
I used to take losses really hard and let them affect me mentally. But with my new mindset of caring less and focusing more on my process, I’ve become better at moving on. In tennis, unless you win the whole tournament, you’re going to lose. So I just take the lessons and move on.

What do you consider your biggest strength on the court?
Shot-wise, definitely my backhand. Outside of that, my speed and movement are big strengths, along with my mental toughness and ability to fight back in tough moments.

What part of your game are you currently working on the most?
I’m really focused on developing a bigger serve, both first and second. I need to get more free points on serve to elevate my game.

Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why?
Right now, I’d say Jannik Sinner. The way he strikes the ball and plays so close to the baseline is incredible. He just powers through opponents.

What’s the best piece of advice a coach or teammate has ever given you?
To enjoy the journey, not just the final destination. It’s easier said than done, but embracing that mindset has made the pro life more enjoyable.

Do you follow a specific nutrition plan or routine during tournaments?
Not really. I try to avoid obviously unhealthy food or drinks, but I’m not super strict. I eat what I like while trying to stay somewhat healthy.

What off-court workouts or activities help you stay in shape?
I enjoy playing other sports—soccer with friends, shooting hoops, snowboarding in winter, even skateboarding. I like staying active in fun ways.

How do you balance academics or work with your tennis commitments?
In school, I managed my time well and always worked ahead so I wasn’t stressed out last-minute. Now that I’ve graduated, tennis is my full-time job.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your tennis journey?
The mental lows. I’ve had times when I seriously considered quitting. I’d get anxiety attacks before matches just thinking about how I couldn’t continue if tennis felt that way forever. I’ve been lucky to avoid major injuries, but the mental battles have been tough.

How do you stay motivated during long training sessions or tough periods?
It helps to focus on enjoying the process. I also keep things fresh—I don’t train for crazy hours. I prefer shorter, high-quality sessions, maybe followed by some fitness, and then I’m done for the day.

What are your short-term and long-term goals in tennis?
I don’t set specific ranking goals. Instead, I focus on improving certain areas of my game, like my serve and forehand. If I improve those, the results will follow. My main goal is to continue enjoying life as a professional tennis player.

Do you prefer singles or doubles? What do you enjoy about each?
I definitely prefer singles—it’s what I grew up playing and dreaming about. But I do enjoy doubles too, especially because it’s more relaxed and I get to play with friends.

What’s one pre-match ritual or superstition you always follow?
I’m not very superstitious, but I always listen to music before matches.

How important is team support or having a strong community in your tennis journey?
While I’ve done most things alone especially in this past year—traveling, training, dealing with challenges, and making adjustments— I still stay in touch quite a bit with my old coaches from the school I played for (USF). They help me at times when with some parts of my game or with the overall tour life. I’m also very lucky to have supportive parents who help me financially and emotionally. Their support means a lot.

If you could play a match against any player, past or present, who would it be?
Most people would want to play their idol, but I don’t like losing—and realistically, I’d get destroyed by someone like Nadal or Sinner. So maybe I’ll answer this one once I get better.

What’s the one tournament you dream of competing in one day?
Roland Garros. My family in Europe has always said they want to watch me play there. Really, any Grand Slam would be surreal.

Outside of tennis, what are your hobbies or interests?
Like I mentioned, I enjoy playing pretty much any sport—soccer, basketball, snowboarding. I just love being active.

What advice would you give to younger players just starting out?
Do it because you love it. Find your “why” early. If you genuinely enjoy the sport and the day-to-day grind, handling the tough moments and losses becomes much easier.

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