Lera News: Press, Scores, and Results

New tennis sensation, 13 year old Russian Valeria Solovieva – “Lera”, just won her first ITF Junior Circuit tournament playing in girls 18 at the 2006 First Caribbean International Junior Championships, held at the National Tennis Center in St Michael, Barbados. Lera had to play seven matches including qualifying to conclude her first victory on the junior circuit. Coach Willie Aubone said it’s like playing a “grand slam” with so many matches, which was tough for Lera - but she never got tired, she’s in such great shape. Her match on Thursday was in 92 degree heat under a bright sun and lasted 4-1/2 hours. Down in the first set 5-7, and saving 3 match points in the second set, Lera fought back to win the second set in a tie-breaker 7-6 (11-9) and won 6-2 in the third set.

Winner of the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship at age twelve and currently ranked in the tops of her age group in the world, she was excited about her first ITF victory.

“The girl I beat in the finals is older than me and used to beat me back in Russia when I was ten years old. Now, I’m a much different player besides being stronger, older and smarter. My coaches have taught me a lot of new things and we’ve been working very hard to get ready to play tournaments all over the world."

"I was ready when we went to Uruguay and Argentina but I picked up the chicken pox and couldn’t play for about three weeks. This was my first tournament back and it’s great to win! My coach says I’m going to play about 120 matches this year. Well, only 113 to go! I have a great team and I work very hard to achieve my goals, winning.”