The year 2024 has been a year of surprises for the tennis world. Earlier this year, we saw Jannik Sinner lifting his first Grand Slam trophy at the Australian Open.
Additionally, many young players have staked their claim among the best in the world. However, it has also been a game-changing year so far for some seasoned players. One such star is Ekaterina Alexandrova, who is having a dream run at the ongoing Miami Open.
The 29-year-old Russian star is in the semifinals of the tournament, having registered big victories against the likes of Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula. Let’s find out more about her early life and playing career.
Born on 15th November 1994, Ekaterina Alexandrova was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia. She took to tennis at a young age and used to play at public tennis facilities.
Since 2006, she has been living and training in the Czech Republic. Her family made a huge sacrifice so that she could pursue her tennis ambitions. Alexandrova’s family also moved along with her to Prague.
Interestingly, Alexandrova was also once offered Czech citizenship. While she considered accepting it at one point, an inner voice eventually prevented her from switching nationalities. She made her WTA debut back in 2016 and has been playing on the tour consistently.
However, she finally made a big breakthrough at the ongoing Miami Open when she caught the eyes of the tennis world by outwitting Swiatek and Pegula in the same tournament. She now has a golden chance to clinch the biggest title of her career.
Alexandrova has been inspired by Martina Navratilova, channeling the tennis legend’s energy on the court. Moreover, Alexandrova recently revealed how she used Navratilova’s trick to get the better of Swiatek.
One point at a time and that done well
Alexandrova faced an in-form Iga Swiatek in the pre-quarterfinals earlier this week in Miami. The Russian star was dominant right from the word go, defeating the top seed in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.