Woodlands CC Junior Open 2

I had a 1-day Open tournament starting of Saturday, July 7, 2018. It was called the Woodlands CC Junior Open. It was played in the Woodlands, Texas.

So many people withdrew from my draw that they had to make it a 1-day tournament. My first match was around 1:00 and it took about an hour from Houston to the Woodlands, plus, I needed time to get settled, warm-up, and stretch. On behalf of all of this, we left the house around 11:00 a.m. getting there around 12:00. Everything went according to plan. Now, let's see if I can execute my other plan.

My first opponent was Maeva Elizabe. They put us to play indoor for this match so the balls went faster than usual. My main thing I did to force errors was to use backspin. I was able to hide and fake my dropshots and slices which confused her a bit. I was able to win, with a few errors, 6-2, 6-0.

I am in the finals now! I am a little bit nervous because I am playing a really good player. I am always nervous in the finals, however. I am hoping that my skill and that little bit of confidence can pull me through.

My second and final opponent was Nadia Khera. She took me by surprise on some shots because she hit them very hard and powerful. I was able to force errors by mixing up backspin and topspin and aiming right at her feet. I was able to pull off a 6-3, 6-3 win!

I was very happy and honored to win yet another tournament. I beat 2 very good and skillful players. It was an honor to play them. I put this tournament behind me and focused on my next one--the SCMZ (Super Champ Major Zone). I have confidence  and I know that confidence will pull me through. And, you know, what's wrong with being confident? (I like Demi Lovato :-)

Let's go! 
​Karina Zaharieva