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I got to go to the 2018 Texas Slam (June 9-17), (yes, I said Texas Slam!) It was like a Super Champ tournament except that it was one week long and much more players attended! Well, as long as you keep winning, it would be a week long. For me, since I wasn't seeded, I had to start on Saturday, June 9th. This Texas Slam was played in Abilene, Texas. We (my coach and I) started traveling there on Friday, June 8, 2018. Our plan was to get to Abilene, unpack, go to some local tennis courts, practice--pretty simple routine. After we got there and unpacked, we started heading to our practice court, at the site. I had a great and full practice. I was able to work on every shots thoroughly. Afterward, we went back to the hotel for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow's match was yet to come!
My match was at 3:20 in the afternoon so I had plenty of time. I practiced, ate, rested, and even got to take a nap before my match. Then, it was time to begin my first match. My first opponent was Nadia Khera. I was very tense and inconsistent in the first set which led to a LOT of unforced errors. I played decent but those errors really set me back. Luckily, in the second set, I started getting into a good and solid rhythm. I worked on staying consistent but attacking and taking control of the point whenever I can. I won most points by forcing a few errors on Nadia. We split sets and went to a tiebreaker. In the tiebreaker, I decided that I should be the first to control the point in every point. You know, taking the first strike or put pressure. I lead the tiebreaker aggressively, with clean powerful shots. In the end it payed off! I won 5-7, 6-0, (10-2 in the tiebreaker.)
That win really motivated me to keep going. It felt really good to have that type of confidence inside you. It really changes your mindset and makes you play the best that you can play! That's why self-confidence is key especially in tennis. For me, though, I don't have it all the time. I always underestimate myself. I want to change and I know I will! My next match was on Sunday so we decided to go fill up with food. We went to a restaurant called "Little Italy." I ate a tomato soup and some cheese ravioli while listening to some relaxing, live, guitar music. It was all very relaxing moment! After we finished up, we went back to the hotel to shower and go to bed. I was in a really rare, relaxed state at the end of the day. I hope that the positive emotions can guide me through tomorrow.
I warmed up and practiced a bit with my coach in the morning before my match. I was feeling decently confident before the match. Although, as soon as I stepped on the court, a lot of things changed as soon as I faced my second opponent, Mariansofia Aguirre. I could sense we both were nervous, at least I was, and she wasn't very consistent in the first set making a few more unforced errors. In the second set she became a little more consistent, but I also stepped up my game to also limit my errors. I was happy I won 6-1, 6-4. It was not as easy as the scores indicated. I felt like I was on a roll! Not a very big one though, it was only 2 matches. But still, the feeling was good. One more singles match and I'll be in round of 32! While I had the confidence, there was a small feeling of doubt creeping up to me. I could overcome it, right?
My third opponent was Claire Wernli. She mixed up her shot speed to confuse me. It was kinda hard for me to predict how fast or slow she was going to hit the ball. I couldn't think straight with all the nerves and emotions in me. So, I tried beating her at her own game; I tried to overpowered every of her shots. That, was a big mistake! I didn't play like myself, I played like another person! It was a really big mistake from my part. I lost 3-6, 4-6. The disappointment hit me hard after my match. I don't understand why I didn't take the opportunity to play my best. The loss doesn't hurt. The reason I lost hurts. To not take your chance to play your best. Now, since I lost my third match, they will feed me into a consolation draw. There, I will have a second chance to play and to experience tennis in Abilene. I need to play, and play my best, I need to just do it. But for today though, I only have doubles left. Let's see if we (Michelle and I) can do it!
Me and my partner, Michelle Li, were playing Noam Raveh and Daria Budko. They made a lot of forced and unforced errors during this match. Me and Michelle stood in control on most of the points. This plan worked out! We won 8-2 (pro set). Even though we just won our doubles match, my thoughts skipped to my singles match on the next day. Will I make it? Can I? But, before tomorrow, so today, there is a player's party! At the party I hung out with a few really good friends of mine. It was hilarious and a lot of fun! I needed a night like this to take my mind off of the tournament, until the the pressure would be back on.
It was Sunday, and my match with my fourth opponent, Karla Brown, had begun. I PLAYED MY HEART OUT! I didn't care about the outcome, if I won or lost, I just played. I covered the whole court, attacking, moving in, and counter-attack to control the rally. However, those technical, unforced errors of mine really held me back. They cost me crucial points and I couldn't redo those. I lost 5-7, 5-7. Although it was a loss, surprisingly, I was feeling really proud of the way I played this match against Karla. This showed me that I could play with girls her level, and more. This match showed me my level, and what I need to make it to the higher level of play. I was not done, I yet I still had a chance at doubles.
Michelle Li and I are playing Juliana Creel and Claire Wernli. It was a one-sided story of this match, until Michelle and I finally got in sync at the last moment, at 1-7! We were able to wiggle our way back for a few games. With some very tough games full of attacking and defending tennis, we couldn't pull through the rest of the way. We lost 4-8 (pro set). As I reflect on this experience, I think, overall, well actually...I don't know what to think. One thing I know for sure is that I am motivated to get better at this wonderful sport of tennis. Oh believe me, when I am determined and have a goal, nothing can get in the way. I will train, through blood, sweat and tears, to master my highest level of play. To be the greatest, to be a champion of tennis excellence! Thank you for spending time with me. I'll see you soon at the next tournament. Karina Zaharieva <3  reflection is always good |
Karina ZaharievaI'm an aspiring junior tennis player. My goal is to play professional tennis. This is my journey. I hope you enjoy my website and follow my progress. Categories
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