Freshman Artur Klimenka came to the United States from Belarus for opportunities not available in his homeland.

At one time he was ranked No. 131 in the world at the under-18 International Tennis Foundation level, where many professionals have once played.

In his thick Russian accent, Klimenka said adaptation has been difficult. Once he found his zone on the tennis court, however, he went on a tear through the Big Sky Conference.

“In the beginning of the season I was trying to play well but had problems with acclimation and practices,” Klimenka said.

He is still learning English and has tutors to assist him with homework occasionally.

When he was 12, he began learning the language but his studies ended after only a year and he spent time concentrating on tennis.

“His English was not as good when he entered school as some of the other foreign players,” Director of Tennis Bill Campbell said. “He’s really had to work at school this semester.”

In the classroom he found an academic interest that he wants to pursue in his studies of business.

“I think I want to study real estate eventually, but for right now I just want to learn business,” Klimenka said.

Playing nearly the entire season at the No. 3 position, Klimenka built up a head of steam for the Big Sky Tournament with nine straight wins to close the season, going undefeated against Big Sky opponents.

He has a connection with women’s coach Dima Hrynashka, who recommended Klimenka as a recruit to Campbell.

Klimenka studied English intensely for about six months before moving to the United States, so intensely that he cut back on tennis practice, which he believes contributed to the rough start.

“I think he’s played right where I thought he’d play,” Campbell said. “I knew he hadn’t played for a while and he was right at the same level as Anton (Stryhas) and Kiryl (Harbatsiuk), which is a really high level.”

Before his winning streak he posted a record of 6-6, mediocre by typical standards but the Hornets are a reigning Big Sky power.

In Belarus the weather doesn’t permit very much outdoor tennis because of the climate.

The indoor courts there have costly fees and there are also not very many.

Professionals can be sponsored when they’re part of the national team and don’t have to pay to use the courts.

“A lot of these countries like Belarus where the weather is bad for most of the year have a limited number of courts and the corresponding cost is a real challenge,” Campbell said.

Players at Sacramento State are allowed to play at the club courts, where they have matches and practice.

“It’s a little different situation here compared to Belarus because there are courts where I can come and just play,” Klimenka said. “I don’t need to ask anyone; I just show my card and play.”

Before college tennis, Klimenka enjoyed success at the national level.

He wanted to play professionally but didn’t like his chances at the time, so he decided to play at the college level where he could get an education.

His coach is Slava Konikov, who is also a Belarusian and has worked with Klimenka on his game this season.

“(Konikov) is a really good coach. He was a professional coach and got me to improve all year,” Klimenka said.

Konikov is responsible as the head coach for pairing doubles teams that have good chemistry.

Klimenka teamed up with junior co-captain Sven-David Rueff of Switzerland for a record of 13-4 in doubles.

They began playing together the fourth match of the season and narrowly trailed Stryhas and Harbatsiuk for the best doubles record on the team.

“My doubles partner always encourages me and tells me ‘It’s OK – we’ll win the next point,’ so I like playing with him,” Klimenka said.

During his nine-game winning streak, seven of his matches went three sets, exhibiting the need for stamina in his style of game.

Throughout the season he played 10 matches that went to three sets and won all of them.

He plans to focus on improving his backhand and mental stamina.

“I want to play with better strategy in my mind throughout matches,” Klimenka said. “I don’t want to give up on tough points.”

This summer Klimenka plans to stay in Sacramento and train, work on his English and maybe go on a road trip with some friends.

The opportunities presented to him in the United States have encouraged him to work toward attaining some of the things he wants to achieve.

“He’s very motivated to be here,” Campbell said.