Fascinating tennis, solid results, ascending ranking and an untimely injury – that would be the best summary of Lera’s last month on the ITF circuit. With a quarterfinal in the Grade A Bonofiglio tournament Lera reached her career high ranking of 43 at just 15 years of age. Confident and fit, she entered Jr. Roland Garros and defeated a local crowd favorite Chloe Babet of France in straight sets. Unluckily, at the end of this round one match Lera felt severe pain in her right wrist and a subsequent doctor examination confirmed a fracture. That meant withdrawal from the French Open and no tennis for the coming six weeks.
“Her incredibly intense style of tennis can lead to injuries like that, especially when she is still developing and growing. Lera played unbelievable tennis the last few tournaments and her ranking is the proof. Off course, she will now miss the Wimbledon and a few other planned tournaments, but I know what a fighter she is. I have absolutely no doubts that this injury will not upset her or push her off the winning track. She’ll rest, then follow a recovery program and will soon be back stronger and more motivated than ever before.” – commented Norman Canter, Lera’s manager and number one fan.
Lera seemed rather positive indeed, saying – “It’s a part of being a professional athlete. I just have to do everything doctors and coaches tell me to get better and strengthen that area. I have to be patient and careful. It’s no big deal and it’s not my last Grand Slam tournament. I will now go back to Russia and hope that the recovery period goes well.”
Lera Solovieva is about to kick off her European season with a prestigious Grade A Bonofiglio ITF tournament in Milano. Having spent a few weeks home in Russia, she is currently practicing hard and looking to build on her success with the recent tournaments. After Milano she will travel to Belgium to take part in Grade 1 Astrid Bowl ITF. Finally, on June 1 Lera will set her sight on the Jr. French Open title and we all know she can do it. Good luck Lera!
Another Grade 1 ITF trophy for Lera, as she gets in form for her European season.
Lera Solovieva came back from the City of Angels with another trophy and a bunch of ITF points. Lera won the USTA International Spring Championship in doubles and reached the quarterfinals in singles, impressing the spectators with her on-the-court skills and fighting spirit.
The results further escalate her rankings and clearly show that the girl is in-form to capture a few more titles during her European season. After a few weeks that Lera intends to spend back in Russia, she will play two tournaments in Italy followed by the Junior Roland Garros in Paris.
Lera made an impressive start to her 2008 world tour, as she won the doubles title and the hearts of Peruvian fans at the Inka Bowl in Lima.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
It was a great week for Lera, as she reached both the singles and the doubles finals of the Peruvian Inca Bowl at the Rinconada Country Club in Lima. She never dropped a set on the tournamentʼs red clay courts until the Saturday 6-4 2-6 6-1 victory over Dapkute/Oyen (LTU/BEL) in doubles. Winning this title together with a local partner, Claudia Razetto, turned Lera into a real Reruvian hero and celebrity. She also became the runner up in singles, leaving some ranking points to be gained in this competition next year. Having not played many tournaments in 2007, Lera made an impressive leap in rankings to #69 in Under 18 ITF rankings after thees victories in Lima.
Lera finally received her P-1 US visa and had the thrill of going to Nassau Bahamas to pick up her documents. While there, Lera was a guest at the famous Atlantis resort and had a real blast.
Now, back home working hard with Tarik, sheʼs preparing for the next journey to SouthAmerica, with the first stop in Uruguay, playing the Gerdau Cup.
Lera Solovieva was recently chosen as one of the “30 under 30” individuals at a one of the kind event held in Los Angeles; recognizing the top individuals in sports, entertainment, media, film, music and fashion. There are numerous reasons why Lera was nominated. “30 under 30” recognized Lera for her individual achievements on the tennis courts, her contributions to the society and being an outstanding role model at such a young age. Lera was placed in the very elite group where she was recognized along side of celebrities such as Danika Patrick (Race Car Driver), Christina Ricci (Actress) and Chamillionaire (Hip-Hop Artist).
Lera reached the quarters in singles and finals of doubles at the G1 Copa Gatorade in Venezuela last week...This result propelled her up to 75 on the latest ITF rankings.
