UNA’s men’s tennis team has been making waves this season, and Alberto Altur has been at the center of their success. After going unbeaten in six matches, winning five in both singles and doubles, Altur credits his improvement to better concentration, trusting his coach’s game plans, and increased consistency.
“I learned a lot from last season,” Altur said. “I’ve been more focused in practice, trusting in my coach’s plans, and just being more consistent overall. I feel more comfortable in my game now.”
Altur started playing tennis at just three years old. By the time he was 10, he was training seriously in Spain, preparing for professional level tournaments. At around 18, he began competing in international events, laying the foundation for his collegiate career.
His journey eventually led him to UNA, a decision influenced by multiple factors.
“I wanted to come to the U.S. for college, and UNA stood out because of its strong nursing program, which is my major. The tennis coaches here are from Spain, which made me feel comfortable, and I also had a couple of friends coming here. It just felt like the right fit.”
Daily training is rigorous for Altur, consisting of three to four weight sessions per week, individual gym workouts, and two to three hours of tennis practice daily. He also prioritizes recovery with stretching and hydration to maintain his performance throughout the long season.
However, he credits much of his success to the strong team dynamic at UNA.
“We’re like a family,” he said. “We all live together, study together, and support each other on and off the court. Since tennis isn’t a huge team sport like football or baseball, that connection really matters. It helps us perform better in matches, especially in doubles, where understanding your partner is key.”
One of his favorite memories this season was a home match where a large crowd of UNA students showed up to cheer on the team.
“That energy is incredible. When your teammates and fans are behind you, it pushes you to play your best,” he said.
As for his goals, he’s focused on both team and individual achievements.
“As a team, we want to reach the conference tournament final and finish the season ranked in the top 75 nationally,” Altur said. “We hit that mark last week, but we want to maintain it. Personally, I just want to keep improving my game and helping the team succeed.”
For young players looking to go pro, Altur emphasizes persistence and mental toughness.
“Tennis is a long journey. It requires constant effort, focus, and investment in yourself,” he said. “You have to approach every practice with dedication because improvement happens over time, not in just a day or two. Most importantly, you have to enjoy the game, if you don’t, you won’t improve.”
With a strong team culture, relentless work ethic, and ambitious goals, Alberto Altur and the UNA men’s tennis team are set on making this season one to remember.
With his unwavering dedication, strong team support, and a clear vision for success, Alberto Altur has become a key player for UNA men’s tennis. As he continues to push himself and his teammates toward greater achievements, his passion for the game and commitment to improvement set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Whether on the court or in the classroom, Altur’s drive and resilience make him a standout both as an athlete and as a student, proving that hard work and teamwork are the foundation of success.
