BCS Back to school challenger

On August 12, 2017 I played in a Challenger tournament called BCS Back to School Challenger. I was in the A draw, so it was a Round Robin format with two brackets. The winner from each bracket will face off for the Championship. 

My round 1 opponent was Kenna Erickson. She had very powerful shots, and she was very tall compared to my height. I had trouble the first set because I tried to hit winners past her, but my shots were not powerful enough. So, instead I played with my steadiness and consistent game. You know, the type of style where you'll just wait for your opponent to make the errors. Well, she didn't make any errors and I lost the first set 1-4.

Kenna & I checking-out for our match.

Kenna & I during change-over.

During the second set, I played a bit more aggressive, both from defending and attacking. I came back and took the second set 4-2. Moving on to the tie-breaker I kinda shift gears to grab the first few points. I stayed calm and played very hard, and won the tiebreaker and the match with final score, 1-4; 4-2; 7-2. This was my best win! ​

My round 2 opponent was Macarena Rodgriguez. We had played against each other before, so I kind of remember her game. This time most of my intention was just to play attacking tennis whenever I could during a point. I ended up winning the match, 4-0; 4-0.

Ahona & I leaving the court.

Ahona & I leaving...and we were walking.

My round 3 opponent was Ahona Chowdhury. She was a very determined and played with a sense of purpose. For me I just stayed calm and consistent while letting her making the errors. I think that when you can win without attacking, why do I need to attack? I was saving my energy for one more match, if I win this one. Fortunately, I won the match 4-2; 4-0.

Ahona & I walking to the tournament desk.

Saira Narang & I posed for a memory.

Finally, in my Championship and final match I played with Saira Narang. With Saira's game, I used a mix of strategies and tactics to keep her off-balance. Of course, I would playing attacking tennis whenever I could, but mainly just playing consistent tennis, first and foremost! ​

Thank you sharing my joy with you. <3
Karina Zaharieva