Bradley University Athletics

Tennis Fills 2022-23 Roster

Alexandra Hildreth, Maria Pukhina, Nina Zdravkovic

Anna Belogliadova Signing Release

Josh Schwam, Communications Student Assistant Women's Tennis 4/18/2022 8:00:00 AM

PEORIA, IL – Bradley Tennis has filled its three remaining roster spots for the 2022-23 season, adding two transfers and a freshman, announced by Head Coach Matt Tyler today.

Nina Zdravkovic (North Dakota/Belgrade, Serbia) comes to Bradley after two standout seasons at the University of North Dakota. Playing at No. 5 Singles, she won seven of her last eight singles matches as a Fighting Hawk, including a 3-1 mark in Summit League action in the 2020-21 season.

She went 9-6 in Doubles play that season, with seven of her nine wins coming from the No. 2 position. In addition, she earned Summit League Women's Tennis Athlete of the Week on April 20, 2021 after going 2-0 in singles play from the No. 5 spot and 1-0 at No. 2 Doubles, clinching the doubles point over South Dakota. Zdravkovic was the only ND student-athlete to go undefeated en-route to two straight Summit League wins, clinching a spot in the league's postseason tournament.

She was a member of the 2020-21 All-Summit League Women's Tennis Team for her efforts.

"Nina had an outstanding career at North Dakota, she also brings a wealth of experience playing in the top end of the lineup," Bradley Head Coach Matt Tyler said. "Nina is a tremendous doubles player too, which is an area that we are always looking to improve."

The lone freshman of the class is Mariia Pukhina. She will become the third Russian-born student-athlete in Bradley Tennis history, along with soon-to-be teammates Maria Bezmenova and fellow incoming freshman Anna Belogliadova.

Pukhina was ranked as high as 315 in the Russian U-18 system. She achevied an International Tennis Federation (ITF) ranking of 781 worldwide as a junior.

"Mariia had a great career as a junior tennis player and I believe that her skills translate very well into the collegiate realm," said Tyler. "Her game will only improve through her time at Bradley. I think Mariia will be a very positive addition straight away."

Alexandra Hildreth (Dixie State/Tring, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom) comes to Bradley after two seasons at Dixie State. She competed predominantly at the top of the Trailblazer singles lineup in her second season. She spent time at all three doubles spots, playing most of the time at No. 2 Doubles.

Hildreth comes to BU with three remaining years of eligibility.

"Alex brings a lot of maturity and knowledge with her from her time at Dixie State," said Tyler. "She understands what it takes to compete at the top of the lineup and is no stranger to really tough matches. I believe she will make an immediate impact on our level."

Combined with the signing of Belogiadova last fall, the Braves have filled their roster for next season.

Bradley begins the Missouri Valley Conference Women's Tennis Team Championship this Friday with a 3 p.m. contest against UNI. The tournament is being hosted at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center on the campus of Drake University.

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Players Mentioned

Maria Bezmenova: 5' 9"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Maria Bezmenova
: 5' 9"; Sophomore