Luciana Perez | “I am going to play the Junior Grand Slams and I hope to do my best” | Peruvian tennis player | ITF | WTA | Roland Garros | RMMD EMCC | FULL-SPORTS

He prevailed in singles at the J300 in Barranquilla, in Colombia and, a week later, he won another trophy: the J300 in Lima, known as the ‘Inka Bowl’. In this tournament she also won gold in the doubles category. Three titles she has won in two weeks. And she goes for more. Depor spoke with her to tell us about her current moment and about her plans for the future.

What captivates you about tennis and since what age have you practiced it?

I started playing tennis when I was 4 years old. I liked it because it is an individual sport, which teaches you to solve problems by yourself, since you have to find the best way to get ahead in any difficult moment you have.

Do you have a reference tennis player who has motivated you to practice this sport?

Iga Świątek, the Polish number 1 in the world. I like her for her speed, agility and the mobility that she has, as well as her mentality. She has a very winning mentality. Another is Rafael Nadal, who is also a fighter, who always fights until the last ball.

In recent weeks, you’ve won three ITF Tour titles in Colombia and Peru: two singles and one doubles. How do you rate this moment in your career?

It is a positive moment, because I have prepared quite well in the preseason, and I think that all the work we have done (with his team) has been reflected on the pitch. This is very important. I am confident that little by little, in each game, it will increase. I didn’t start the year the way I wanted in Costa Rica, where I lost in the first round. Later, in the following tournaments, little by little I was able to recover that confidence and that rhythm of competition that we all need and that is difficult at the beginning. And well, little by little, the results began to show.

A curious fact during your participation in the Inka Bowl in Peru is that you beat the American Kaitlin Quevedo in the final, who was your partner in doubles and with whom you won that category….

I’ve known Kaitlin for a long time, she’s a friend of mine. In doubles we were partners, but in singles we were rivals. The truth is that she spends a lot in tennis. It has happened to me that I have to play against my doubles partner, which is normal because in the end it’s a draw and, well, the final is one more match, that you have to go out and win.

These titles in Colombia and Peru have allowed you to become number 8 in the ITF junior ranking, being not only the best Peruvian but also the best in all of America, including the United States. What do you feel about this achievement?

I’m very happy. It is the result of all the work that we have been doing for many years with my entire team. You have to keep working to go for more and, little by little, keep moving forward.

When I asked you about your references, you highlighted the mentality of Iga Świątek. In your case, how are you working on that aspect?

Fairly good. I have a psychologist from the Club Regatas Lima, named Silvana Durand, who has supported me a lot. We are still working on all aspects. We have to keep improving a little more. But the truth is that we are doing quite well, learning to resolve when things don’t work out, which is the most difficult moment, where you have to get ahead. Little by little, I’m handling it much better.

And what are your next competitions?

I’m going to Brazil tomorrow (today) to play the J300 in Porto Alegre and the J500 in Criciuma. From there, he returned to Lima and then I will play a couple of tournaments in Colombia. So far everything is confirmed.

Are there plans to play a Junior Grand Slam?

Yes, I’m going to play Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. I am going to play singles and doubles in the three tournaments.

And why were you not at the Australian Open?

I did not participate due to the distance and a time issue.

And of the Grand Slam tournaments, which one do you like the most?

I stayed with the Roland Garros. I have played all my life on clay. It is my favorite surface.

What is your main objective that you have set yourself this 2023?

Play the Grand Slams and try to do your best. We also set ourselves the goal of finishing among the 10 best in the world, in the Top 10. So far, we have achieved it. Now, we have to stay that way, working hard and going for more, looking for the Top 5 little by little.

In an interview, you commented that your most valued title is the gold medal you won at the 2021 Cali Valle Junior Pan American Games (in doubles). Which is the reason?

Because it is an achievement that I got playing with the Peru shirt and that, for me, is worth much more than any other tournament. In the other tournaments I also represent Peru, but I’m not playing with the shirt. So it’s more special to play with the national team.

Within your plans for the future, is competing on the main circuit of the WTA?

We are still evaluating it. Right now, we are very focused on the now. But the truth is that the two paths (the ITF and the WTA) have quite a few opportunities. This year I am already going to start combining a bit of Juniors tournaments with Pro tournaments.

And on which stage do you yearn to compete?

At Roland Garros, professionals. That yes or yes would be a dream.

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