The Woodlands CC Challenger

Ana Bong (right) and I are checking into our final match!

I had a tournament on Saturday, June 10, 2017 playing in The Woodlands CC Challenger 1-Day (10s). My first match was with Helaina Reynoso. She was a very challenging player to play against. She had improved her game, especially her serves. Of course, her ground game always gave me trouble. I tried to attack whenever I could, which I was fortunate to win 4-1; 4-1. 

My quarterfinal match was with Remy Phan, one of the many friendly girls I have had encountered when playing tournaments. Remy was a really consistent player. I thought that if I was more consistent and not go too much for my kill shots, I would win more points than her. However, I would attack often to try to get her to hit weaker shots or make an error. I ended up winning 4-2; 4-1. 

Ana (right), is the champion, posing with me! I love the competition.

My semifinal match was very exciting! My opponent was Lauren Chang. She was a very good player. Lauren moved really well on the court, and had a very steady attacking game. So, the first set I went out attacking. I just didn't want her to attack first, and my plan worked with a win in the first set. However, in the second set, I let up and just played defensive tennis with topspin to win 4-2; 4-3. I guess I was waiting for her to make the errors. I should had attack more and maintain my rhythm and momentum. 

My last final match was against Ana Bong. She was a very smart player, with great anticipation skills. She knew where I would hit and was always ready to respond. I tried to attack as much as I could, but not for clean winners but with a goal of forced error, hitting hard, fast ball straight at her. Of course, balls with pace had no impact on Ana's game. Ana's racquet control was just too much for me to be a one-dimensional player. Playing with Ana made me rethink my own game. The final win went to Ana, 2-4; 1-4.

The good news: I didn't cry or feel upset for the first time because I knew I did my best, I played my best. And so...I have more love to give...I have more work to do!

​Karina Zaharieva