The Unlikely Training Partner Who Pushes Her Limits

Quezada’s relationship with González, whom she married in 2023, is built on an unusual but highly effective training philosophy: treating every session as if it’s a match against the world. “He knows exactly how to read my game,” Quezada told Tenis Chile in a recent interview. “If I’m tired, he’ll pull me into a baseline rally. If I’m overconfident, he’ll hit a drop shot that forces me to reset.”

González, a former ITF circuit player who reached a career-high ranking of No. 450, now serves as Quezada’s unofficial sparring partner. Their sessions often mimic match conditions, with González simulating the aggression of top-tier opponents like Iga Świątek or Ons Jabeur. “We don’t just hit balls—we play,” González said. “Stephanie’s smash is her weapon, but her real strength is adapting under pressure. That’s what we work on every day.”

Key Statistic: Quezada’s smash speed has been clocked at 112 km/h (70 mph) in recent training sessions, according to data from her coaching team—faster than the average WTA player outside the top 50.

Why the Rivalry Works: A Tactical Breakdown

Quezada’s coaching team, which includes former WTA player María José Martínez Sánchez, credits the rivalry for her improved consistency. “Rodrigo doesn’t just return balls—he returns them with intent,” Martínez Sánchez said. “Stephanie has to think on her feet, just like in a real match.”

Their dynamic extends beyond physical training. González, who holds a degree in sports psychology, often analyzes Quezada’s mental state during sessions. “If she’s overthinking, I’ll force her into a quick point,” he explained. “If she’s too aggressive, I’ll make her play the percentages.” This psychological layer has helped Quezada maintain a career win rate of 72% in 2024, despite playing primarily on the ITF and WTA Challenger tours.

Training Insight: Quezada’s coaching team has implemented a “rivalry rotation” where González plays different roles—sometimes as a baseline grinder, other times as a serve-and-volley specialist—to simulate varied opponents. “It’s like having a personal opponent simulator,” Martínez Sánchez said.

From Chile to the WTA: How the Rivalry Fuels Her Ambitions

Quezada’s journey from the clay courts of Santiago to the WTA Tour has been marked by relentless competition—both on and off the court. Born in Concepción, Chile, she began playing tennis at age 5 and turned professional in 2018. Her marriage to González in 2023 added a new dimension to her training, one that has paid dividends on the tour.

In a recent interview with La Tercera, Quezada revealed that their rivalry isn’t just about winning points—it’s about pushing each other to improve. “We don’t keep score in practice, but we always know who’s winning,” she said with a laugh. “And if I lose, I have to do 10 more sets the next day.”

Career Milestone: Quezada’s breakthrough came in 2023 when she reached the quarterfinals of the Limassol Open, defeating three seeded players in the process. Her coaching team attributes this success to the “rivalry effect,” where her ability to perform under pressure was honed in daily sessions with González.

What’s Next: A Match Against Herself

Quezada’s next major test comes at the Ecuador Open in Quito, where she’ll face a field that includes former top-10 players like Sara Sorribes Tormo. With her husband in the stands (and occasionally on the court as a coach), she’ll have the familiar face she relies on to stay sharp.

González, who now works as a ball boy for WTA tournaments, will be on the sidelines during her matches. “I’ll be there to cheer, but I won’t be her coach,” he said. “That’s María José’s job. My job is to make sure she’s ready to compete against anyone—even me.”

Upcoming Schedule:

• June 17–23: Ecuador Open (Quito, Ecuador) – Quezada’s first WTA 250 tournament of 2024.
• July 8–14: ITF $60k Tournament (Santiago, Chile) – Homecoming event.

How to Follow Dra. Stephanie Quezada

For the latest updates on Quezada’s training, matches, and her unique rivalry with González, follow these official channels:

• @stephaniequezada (Instagram) – Training clips, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
• WTA Player Profile – Official rankings, tournament results, and schedule.
• Tenis Chile – Local coverage of Chilean tennis stars.

Key Takeaways

• Rivalry as Training: Quezada’s daily sessions with her husband simulate match conditions, improving her adaptability and mental toughness.
• Smash as a Weapon: Her serve speed (112 km/h) and accuracy have become a signature part of her game, developed through high-pressure practice.
• Psychological Edge: González’s role extends beyond physical training, helping Quezada manage pressure and stay focused.
• Upcoming Challenge: The Ecuador Open will test her ability to perform under tournament pressure, with her husband supporting her from the sidelines.