The youngest player in the Bahrain ITF Junior Championship is aiming to make it big in the world of tennis.
Thirteen-year-old Eira Gabrielle Alegria, a Bahrain resident, exudes confidence that stems from the enormous backing she enjoys – right at home. Eira doesn’t have to look elsewhere for inspiration. Talent runs in the family. Eira’s mother, Thess Corral, is a tennis player who competes in tournaments organised at the Filipino Club.
“My mother has been my biggest inspiration and strength, always encouraging and goading me to move forward,” said Eira.
Eira started playing at the tender age of four. However, much to her mother’s chagrin, she hung her racquet soon after and it took her six years to get back to a tennis court. There has been no looking back thereafter.
Last week’s qualifier for the Bahrain ITF Junior Championship was the first “big event” in Eira’s career although she has been featuring regularly in local tournaments. Although she failed to make it to the singles championship, the experience gained has been “enormous,” said Eira.
“I got to play with older players from other countries and it gave me a good opportunity to match my skills,” Eira told the GDN.
Spirits
Eira and her partner Jan Inzi Mataac lost in the doubles opener against the fourth-seeded pair of Anna Lajos and Lia Mosimann yesterday, but the defeat has not dampened her spirits.
Competing with older players has been “challenging” says Eira. “It’s my first time here and I am here for more experience. Hopefully next year I will do better, win a round at least for starters,” Eira said with a broad smile.
“I lost in the singles qualifier, but it was fun. The doubles has been another opportunity to assess myself.”
Eira finds the ITF tournament an ideal stage to prepare herself for the tough battles ahead.
“I will be playing in the upcoming ITF junior championship in Isa Town and hope to do well there,” she said.
Corral’s only regret has been the six valuable years of tennis her daughter missed as a young child.
“If she had continued playing, she would surely have gone places already,” said Corral.
Eira’s ambition, like any upcoming youngster, is to make it big as a star player. Determination was writ large on her face as she spoke about her future plans. And with an eager, encouraging mother at her side, it could just be a matter of time before she breaks into stardom.
“That’s her dream,” Corral beamed.