Bay Area Racquet Club November Jr Open

I had my first open regular yellow ball tournament on Saturday November 25th 2017 called the Bay Area Racquet Club November Junior Open. 

I was walking on air!

My first match was with a player named Sierra Hatfield, which I had never played her before. I was patience during this match versus Sierra; I waited for her to make the mistake and I also attacked at the right moment to control the point. I ended up winning the match 6-0; 6-2; however, I think I should have went to the net a bit more for to finish the most points. I was just glad it was officially my first regular yellow ball win!

My second round match was with #3 seed Nadia Khera, which I lost 1-6; 6-1; 7-10.  Due to my nervousness, I made a lot of mistakes in the first set, and I gave her too many easy shots to her forehand. Consequently, I lost the first set easily.

But on the second set I played really aggressive while staying consistent within the lines, I moved a lot and caused her to make a few more unforced errors just as I made them in the first set.  I was determined to turn things around and hope to go the distant. And I did!

So, we split sets and went to a tiebreaker, first to 10, win by 2! I tried to carry my second set momemtum into the tiebreak, but it was my first set nerves that got to me first. I tried to fight through and attacked a lot but I made a lot of unforced mistakes; hitting in the net, hitting long, hitting wide...you name it. It was very tense for me as Nadia kept sending the ball back into my court for each point played. It was at 7-7 that I couldn't hold my concentration any longer--lost three points in a row! 

My brother Emo won the whole thing!

I saw my level and where I am, and what I needed to work on to get to the next level. It was a learning experience for me because I know I can compete with these girls. I will be ready for the next match, and I will win! 

Lots of experience, learning, and love...<3
Karina Zahrieva