At just 16 years old, American tennis player Julieta Pareja is set to make her senior Grand Slam debut after receiving a wild card for the US Open main draw.
The teenager, who recently became the world’s No. 1 ranked junior girls’ player, earned the spot in recognition of a breakthrough season that has seen her excel on both the junior circuit and the professional tour.
Speaking from her home near San Diego before traveling to New York, Pareja appeared poised ahead of the momentous occasion. “I’m just super excited, just being able to actually play against really high-ranked players that I’ve watched on TV,” she said. “To have the opportunity to play against them will be really nice, especially at a home Grand Slam. Having the crowd and the support will be really special.”
Pareja’s calm demeanor belies a year of significant achievements. She secured the top junior ranking after reaching the finals of both the singles and doubles events at Wimbledon. Though she fell short in both matches, she was pleased with the outcome. “It shows all the hard work and the effort you put into practice, and the team that helps you get better every day, it’s all paying off,” she remarked.
Earlier this year, Pareja also became the youngest player to reach a WTA Tour-level semifinal since a 15-year-old Coco Gauff in 2019, showcasing her potential against seasoned professionals at the Copa Colsanitas in Colombia. The milestone was particularly meaningful due to her Colombian heritage.
Her introduction to the sport came at age four, when her mother began teaching her the basics at local courts. With two older sisters who also play, Pareja had early role models, and she now cites Spanish legend Rafael Nadal as one of her biggest idols. “It’s just his competitiveness, his mindset on the court,” she explained. “I really like how he competes and his composure.”
Pareja’s life revolves around a demanding schedule of daily training sessions, gym work, and online schooling, yet she strives to maintain a balance by socializing with friends and relaxing at the beach. She views the extensive travel required for a professional career not as a burden, but as a privilege.
“I love playing tennis and getting the opportunity to go and travel the world and play the sport that I love,” she said. “I know that there are so many areas of my game that I have to improve, and I think that really motivates me.”
At the US Open, her focus is on gaining experience, though she faces a formidable first-round opponent in Grand Slam champion and world No. 10 Elena Rybakina. Regardless of the result, the tournament marks another significant step in the promising journey of a rising star.
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