Czech tennis player excels in all facets

Milan Rakvica came to the U.S. from the Czech Republic to have a better opportunity. The senior found opportunity and flourished as a member of the IU men's tennis team. \nRakvica was born and raised in Zlin, Czech Republic. He played prep tennis for Gymansium Zlin.\nRakvica, a business major, notes the differences between the two countries. \n"There was definitely a cultural difference -- new place, new people, new friends," Rakvica said. "I really like it. Sports are making the experience better." \nSo, what has he done lately? \nOr better put, what hasn't he done lately? \nRakvica moved into a tie for seventh place on the all-time singles wins list with 82 after a victory against Ball State Tuesday. He is eighth place on IU's all-time doubles win list with 64. \n"It's an honor for me," Rakvica said. "To be one of the 10 best players in school history makes me happy. It's tough because I have to play No. 1 players all the time. It's hard."\nHe was an academic All-Big Ten selection in each of his first three seasons at IU. He earned All-Big Ten honors his sophomore and junior years.\nDuring his sophomore season, Rakvica won 30 singles matches. Just five IU men's players have accomplished that feat. That same season, he also had 23 doubles victories. \n"He's a big winner, quality winner; he gives us a full complement at all levels," coach Ken Hydinger said. "He's mistake free." \nMilan has a 3.4 grade point average. Hydinger said he's an excellent student, and Rakvica understands that academics are first and foremost. \n "Academics are a big part," Rakvica said. "The support at IU is good. I would like to thank the coaches and the support staff for their help. I like the teachers, too. They are always helpful." \n Rakvica helped entice freshman Jakub Praibis to IU, Hydinger said. Praibis is now excelling in the program. \nRakvica was a two-time member of the Czech Republic national champion under-18 team. He was also a member of the under-14 Czech Republic Junior National Team, where he placed third at the European Championships. \nAssistant coach Ondrej Holik, in his fourth season, is from Zlin, as well. He was hired before Rakvica began his career at IU, but he knew Rakvica before they came to IU. \nRakvica was here in the summer before Holik and practiced for his first season with the Hoosiers. That practice and hard work has paid off. He finished 2001 ranked No. 58 in national singles by ITA.\n"He has helped IU a great deal," Holik said. "At No. 2 doubles, he's very good. He can win most doubles."\nRakvica displays a confidence almost unmatched by his competitors, and that determination is what has propelled Rakvica to the top of the Big Ten. He has a career singles conference record of 19-14 and overall is 83-45. Furthermore, in career conference doubles he is 19-14 and overall is 61-36. \nThis season, Rakvica is 9-5 in overall singles and 10-1 in overall doubles. He is looking forward to the Big Ten season and wants to accomplish his goal at IU: win the Big Ten championships.\n"The guys who have been here four years deserve it," Rakvica said. "The competition is great, so it would be a dream come true"