The Breakers fourth round draft pick and former UCLA Bruin discusses his thoughts on the upcoming season, his experience in the team format and his favorite football team in this edition of Breakers Insiders.

First off, welcome to the Breakers and thanks for sitting down with us for this Breakers Insiders interview. What excites you the most about playing for the Breakers in 2016?

I’m excited to come back to compete in Southern California, which I consider my second home. Although I haven’t played Mylan WTT presented by GEICO yet, I’m excited to get back to playing and competing in a team format like I did in college at UCLA.

What are your expectations for the Breakers this season?

I looked at our roster and believe that with the players on our team, we can take the King Trophy this year.

We can live with that! What is a typical day in the life of Dennis Novikov like?

My day starts off with cardio in the morning, followed by practice. I usually have a short lunch break to rest up a bit for an afternoon session of hitting with strength and conditioning afterwards. Finally, I head to dinner and sleep to get ready for the following day.

Sounds like a grind! Aside from tennis, do you have a favorite sport?

I really enjoy watching football (Go Niners!), as well as hockey and UFC.

Do you have a favorite meal?

I love good sushi. But my favorite home-cooked meal would have to be my mom’s pasta with shrimp.

What’s the best concert you’ve been to?

I haven’t been to many concerts actually but I would love to see Drake in concert.

Favorite or go to vacation spot?

Hawaii.

Hawaii seems to be a favorite amongst Breakers players! If you could give a young kid with aspirations of playing professional tennis one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t get discouraged with current results. Everyone has a different path to success and if you put in the work, you will get to where you want to go.

Aside from string and rackets, what do you keep in your racket bag?

Stretching bands, football, jump rope, change of clothes, I keep it pretty light.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I used to play junior hockey when I was younger, so I really enjoy just skating around sometimes.

Favorite moment of your tennis career?

Winning Kalamazoo singles and doubles in the same year since not many people have done that.

That is an incredible accomplishment! Thanks again for taking the time for this interview and we look forward to a great summer of Breakers tennis!