At the age of 17, he appeared for the first time in the junior category, where he played singles and doubles. He discusses his motivations for a year that could change his career.
After 14 years, Chile once again had a representative in the junior women’s team at the Australian Open: Antonia Vergara (17). The Little Giant, as she is nicknamed, obtained her ranking by finishing 2023 among the 50 best young players (she is currently 41 years old), which practically allows her to ensure her presence in the other three Grand Slams on the calendar.
El Deportivo is served just a few minutes after losing to the British Hannah Klugman 6-2, 6-3 in fifth largest ground at Melbourne Park . The same one where Christian Garin played his first round match and where this Sunday the national public arrived again. Even the bad weather in the city did not prevent the stands from filling up to see the national team face one of the most important players on the junior circuit and the youngest tennis player (14 years old) among the 1,000 best in the WTA rankings.
In the talk, he talks about his first experience in Australia, meeting in the corridors with the biggest stars on the planet and his plans for this season. From this obviously emerges his desire to be an important element of the Chilean team in Billie Jean King.
When you were preparing for the tournament and thinking about your debut, did you imagine it would be like this?
The truth is, no. You know it’s played on the outside courts, but I never thought they would put me on such a main court, that it would be full. I never imagined playing the first round on a full court, I knew there would be people, but never like today. I’m already happy to be here, I would have liked to win, but my opponent played very well and I think it was a good match overall.
You came across one of the most promising players in the world, what do you think is missing to get there?
She plays very well, but I feel like I’m a little inadequate. Obviously, I need more specific things to get there, at his level, but I feel good knowing that these are things that we can work on and continue to work on, since I have the level, it’s enough for me to take that little extra step.
What is the Grand Slam experience like?
The first day they took us to Rod Laver Arena to see the court, it’s amazing to be able to be there in the hallways and suddenly run into professional players who are among the top ten in the world. I crossed Tsitsipas, Badosa, it’s an incredible experience that you don’t get in South America, so I’m happy to continue enjoying the week here.
Australia arrives after a great personal moment…
In August last year I was still out of the Top 100 and then I had two finals, a few semi-finals and a title, being able to finish the year 40th in the world and be here, because without that I wouldn’t wouldn’t have come. It also almost guarantees that I can play in the big four this year.
What are the expectations for this next challenge? Do you think you will do better at Roland-Garros?
Yes, at Roland Garros I’m going to know a lot more about what I’m aiming for, I think I’m going to have a little more experience, obviously it will also be on clay, that’s where I feel most at home. comfortable. I spoke with my team and this is the round in which we want to burn all the chips and try to do our best because I think Roland Garros can be the tournament.
Are you excited about what might lie ahead for your career?
Obviously, being here already shows us that we have done things well, that obviously we still have a lot to do, but so far we have been able to do the right things and work as we have done, respecting the process. Three years ago we talked about the fact that at 17 we had to play the Junior Grand Slam, so let’s continue this beautiful process.
Do you feel like a real option for Billie Jean King’s Chilean team?
Yes, with Paolo (captain last year) we are still in contact, we also have a group with Daniela (Seguel), with Paloma (Goldsmith), with Fernanda (Labraña). I think I already feel part of the Billie Jean King group. This year is going to be difficult but it’s not impossible, so I’m happy to be able to represent Chile whenever I can.
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Source: Latercera
I’m Rose Brown , a journalist and writer with over 10 years of experience in the news industry. I specialize in covering tennis-related news for Athletistic, a leading sports media website. My writing is highly regarded for its quick turnaround and accuracy, as well as my ability to tell compelling stories about the sport.
