Bay Area Racquet Club March Junior Open

I had a 2-day open tournament on Saturday, March 24, 2018. It was called the Bay Area Racquet Club March Junior Open. It was played at Bay Area Racquet Club.

My goal for this tournament was to not doubt myself. You know, when you overthink the match? Yeah, I need to not do that. If I doubt myself and my game in a match, I could lose! It could happen more often than you think. If this is the goal, I have to achieve it!

Jasmine and I checking in...

My first opponent was Jasmine Escamos. I tried not to overthink my startegy too much so I just stuck to the basics. I hit deep with a lot of angle in the back corners. I also threw in a couple slices in there for variety. I only made a couple mistakes when I was going for my shot. I won 6-2, 6-0.

My next match was with a girl I have played and lost to before. I know the overall style of her game. I am confident in myself and I know I can do it!

Elizabeth and I waiting for confirmation of available court.

Elizabeth Shu and I stayed patient and consistent waiting for the right time to attack during my second match. In the second set, I started getting more and more consistent, but at the same time staying aggressive. She made me make a couple errors on the way, but she made more. I won 6-4, 6-0.

I had the semi-finals tomorrow so I rested the rest of the day so that I can be ready. It was hard to relax when i was constantly thinking about strategies, tactics, and so on. I was able to clear my mind and get some rest though. I went to bed early so that I can get a lot of rest before the match. Then before I knew it, it was Sunday.

Sometimes, my best is not good enough.

It is Sunday, March 25, 2018 and I am getting ready for the semis. I started off by doing my dynamic warm-up. With a few stretches and shadow swings after that, I was ready for the match.

My third opponent was Nadia Khera. She had very explosive and powerful attacking shots. She was also really patient and consistent. I was not hat afraid to go for my shots whenever I needed to. But, sadly most of those shots of mine ended up as unforced errors. I lost 2-6, 2-6.

I'm uneven... :-)

Because of this loss, I learned a lot about my game and my weaknesses. Actually, the whole tournament helped me! This was a really helpful tournament even though I lost in the semis. It only means I have to train harder to be the best!

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.,
​Karina Zaharieva