MIKAČA: I'M GLAD TO BE PLAYING IN THE ERA OF NOVAK ĐOKOVIĆ

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 29 /SRNA/ — Banja Luka tennis player Sara Mikača, currently ranked No. 806 in the WTA rankings, said she was happy to have the opportunity to play in the era of Novak Đoković, whom she considers unmatched and the greatest tennis player of all time.

"He has contributed to the development of tennis here as well. I think we should all look up to him and his mental approach. From match to match, he searches for his strength and pushes himself to the limit," Mikača said on a podcast produced by the Republika Srpska Media System - SRNA.

She singled out Đoković's psychological approach to the sport, saying that mental strength is one of the most important lessons young tennis players can learn from him.

"He is an example of how one should work on the mental side of the game from the very beginning, with children and later on as well. I love him, appreciate and respect him, and I absolutely love watching him progress. Hats off to him," Mikača said.

WOULD LOVE TO PLAY AT ROLAND GARROS

One of her goals is to compete at Grand Slam tournaments and, if she could choose, she would most like to play at Roland Garros.

"I would love to play at one of the Grand Slams. If I could choose, it would be Roland Garros. Wimbledon is a very special Grand Slam, but I have never played on grass," she said.

TENNIS IS AN EXPENSIVE SPORT, MAKING INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT IMPORTANT

Mikača said tennis is an expensive sport and that consistent training, extensive travel and significant financial resources are necessary to progress and achieve top results.

"Whenever I have asked institutions, the president and others for support, they have always helped me and provided financial assistance, and I am infinitely grateful to them for that," Mikača said.

She particularly mentioned the BIRKS Sports Games, where she represented Republika Srpska for the first time.

"I think they really value that and genuinely support me," she said.

Mikača believes the tennis federations of Republika Srpska and BiH should pay more attention to players who are already achieving notable results and showing potential for further progress.

"There really aren't many players from Republika Srpska or BiH who are ranked on the WTA and ATP lists," she said, emphasizing that those who have already achieved results should therefore receive greater support.

As for playing surfaces, Mikača said clay suits her best, as she has played and trained mostly on clay since the beginning of her career.

"Maybe it's a matter of habit, but also because that's where I train. Hard court comes second. I don’t know if there is anywhere around here where you can play on grass," Mikača said.

TARGET: NO. 750 IN THE WTA RANKINGS

Mikača revealed her goals for the remainder of the year, saying she plans to reach No. 750 in the WTA rankings.

"I hope to achieve as high a ranking as possible. I have quite a few tournaments left this year and I hope I will be in good form and achieve the ranking I have set for myself," she stressed.

Speaking about tennis itself, Mikača said the sport does more than produce results - it also plays a major role in shaping a person's character.

"Tennis builds you as a person, but I think it has its advantages and disadvantages. Whoever steps onto the court and wants to play tennis should enjoy it and not let anyone take that away from them. They should persevere and enjoy themselves on the court, and the result will come," Mikača said.