Spring Texas 4th of July Open

I had a 2-day Open tournament starting on June 30, 2018. It was called the Spring Texas 4th of July Open. It was played in Spring, Texas at Giammalva Racquet Club and Klein High School.

I only had one match on Saturday and it was played at Giamalva Racquet Club. My first match was at 2 p.m. so we left the house around 12 since it was a 1 hour drive. I warmed up, stretched, did a few shadow swings so I can get used to my swing and I was ready to start playing, and fighting.

my tire, happy face!

The results with my first opponent, Samara Onwuteaka, which I won 6-2, 6-0. The match was characterized with errors from both of us. However, I won most of the points because she had a few more unforced errors than I did. But I also extended the rallies, using a lot of topspin as well, to tire her out and make her make more errors. I made some unforced errors of my own because I needed to get used to the dynamic of her shots and this match. It took me a couple games to get used to her balls, but when I did, I was able to control most of the points, and forced errors on her. 

My next match was on Sunday, so I rested and prepared myself for my next match the rest of the day. This included a lot of sleeping and resting. I had enough time to think, tactically and strategically, about the next match. I hoped that I would not make so many errors like in the previous match. Laying in bed I thought about my previous match as well as my next match, having some doubts and some confidence. What will happen next? 

Elizabeth & I checking out

My second opponent was Elizabeth Shu. I was really nervous for this match since it was semi-finals so I told myself whatever happens, happens. She was a very patient and consistent player, which attributes any good tennis player would have. When the match started, I was able to force errors from her in the first set by taking action and controlling the point which won me a lot of points. But, I got impatient in the second set, and Elizabeth raised her game; so, we went to a second set tiebreaker. I quickly figured out that I have to strike first, to attack first, but with consistency and patience waiting for opportunity. That's exactly what I did. I controlled by putting pressure, attacking, and moving in closer to the net. It was a tough match, I was glad I won 6-3, 7-6, (7-4 in the tiebreaker.)

As we went to report the score, it hit me: I am in the finals!!! Just thinking about winning that medal, the feeling of pride and self-esteem and confidence really put me in a relaxed, motivated, and happy state of mind. I was in the zone where I felt anything is possible.

with Sammi Guse, after our match

The results took care of themselves when I played the final with seed #1 Sammi Guse. I could feel the ecstasy rushing through my veins. I had this electrifying feeling that brought out the best in me. I felt like I was hitting all the right shots in all the right places, inspired by One Republic - All The Right Moves! I made some errors along the way but, surprisingly, this didn't worry me too much. Was my mental game maturing? Well, the errors did not bother me, I kept playing my heart out. It was the best feeling when I didn't have to think about winning or losing, but just play the game. It was true, I won, 6-4, 6-2, but I had no control of that score line. 

As I was holding my small winning medal in a local junior open tournament, with a smile on my face, I imagined a possibility of myself on Center Court in the U.S. Open holding the Championship trophy in front of millions of people.  I dreamed that one day I would be on Center Court holding that Championship trophy with pride.

Until next time...one step at a time.
​Karina Zaharieva

w/ my friend, Katiana