Flores plots US bounce back
DISAPPOINTMENT AT WIMBLEDON DOESN’T QUELL TEEN’S CONFIDENCE
ictoria Flores, the Filipino-American teen tennis sensation who has rocketed up from 400th in the ITF junior rankings to inside the top 50 this year, is looking to improve at next month’s US Open after disappointment at Wimbledon.
The 18-year-old born in Fort Dodge, Iowa — whose tenniscoach-parents Manny and MaryAnn hail from Luzon, Philippines — got through qualifying but suffered first round exits in both girls’ singles and doubles formats on her SW19 debut this month. She now wants more at Flushing Meadows, from August 28 to September 11.
“I can’t even begin to explain how much I miss playing and being at Wimbledon,” the soon-to-be Georgia Tech student told Gulf News. “It was my first time in London and this summer was my first time in Europe.
“Just to be there was incredible but sadly I didn’t play very well at all so that was disappointing, although it was the best learning experience considering I’ve never played at such a big event before, so I’m hoping I can learn from my mistakes and perform to my best at the US Open.
“I obviously want to get some wins and go deep in the tournament but, above all expectations and results, I want to ensure that I truly enjoy every second of being there. Every point, every shot, every breath. The sole feeling of competing at my dream Grand Slam is what motivates me every day until New York.”
Flores shot up the junior rankings in June after winning both singles and doubles titles on clay at Offenbach in Germany, sending Filipino media into a frenzy.
“I’ve worked so hard on and off court over the last nine months so to see it pay off makes my heart full. Without a doubt, I would be nowhere without my parent’s support, so, much of my success is credited to them.
“It’s truly heart-warming to have so much support from people back home in the US, Philippines and all over the world. It’s humbling to know that Filipinos everywhere are interested in my journey.
“I hope I make US and Philippines tennis proud and I’m thankful for all the support. If I achieve my goals someday, I hope to inspire and reach out to others here at home [in the US] and especially in the Philippines, since I love going back to visit.”
The US Open will be Flores’ last Junior event of her career — something she says is “insanely bittersweet” — before joining Georgia Tech next month, August 21.
“Luckily I get the opportunity to play at one of the best athletic/academic universities in the US and I hope to improve while working under one of the best coaches in the US, Rodney Harmon.
Ultimate goal
“My ultimate goal is to be a professional on the WTA Tour and I know that Georgia Tech and my coach can help prepare me for that path eventually,” said Flores, who is currently just inside the world’s top 1000 (World No. 929) in senior singles rankings.
“Whenever my coach and parents feel it’s best to turn pro I will. That may be in a year or after four years when I finish university. It just depends on my improvement and maturity — mentally and physically — and if the time is right.
“In the perfect world, you only want to leave college tennis to turn pro if you’re at least inside the top 300, if not it might be tough to turn pro.”
Either way, Flores appreciates being in the US admitting it would be harder for Filipino athletes based in Philippines, due to there being less funding and facilities.
“I think it’s tougher for players to be professional if based out there [Philippines] because it’s harder to have access to high-level competition, coaches and resources.
“Not many come out of the Philippines as a successful professional. I am grateful that I have the privilege to train in the US being constantly surrounded by excellent coaches, competition and players.”
This then raises the question as to whether she will represent her country of birth, and the one that has also helped her develop her game, or opt for her parent’s flag, where she has already been adopted by the media, and could qualify to an Olympics as the only Filipino.
“Playing at the Olympics is my dream goal but if I ever reach that point in the future, it will be settled later on. I plan to represent the US since I was born and raised here but I’m 100 per cent Filipino blood, so we’ll see.”