Julieta Pareja: Open in the United States this year

By Ben Church, CNN

(CNN) – At the age of 16, U.S. tennis player Julieta Pareja will compete in her first senior Grand Slam tournament.

The teenager, who recently became the No. 1 female player in the world, received wildcards at this year’s U.S. Open for her breakthrough season, was impressed not only on the Junior Tour but also on the Tour with senior professionals.

But before heading to New York, Pareja spoke to CNN Sports at her home near San Diego and seemed very relaxed at such a big moment.

“I'm very excited to be able to fight against very high-end players I've seen on TV,” she said.

“I love following tennis, I've been playing professionals in the game so I can have the opportunity to play with them, which is really nice, especially at the Family Slam. The crowd and support will be very special.”

Chatting with Pareja feels like talking to a senior professional. Although it was the best year of her fledgling career and with a huge opportunity, the balance for the young is very balanced.

Perhaps nothing seems to shock her due to the close support she has received from her family and coach. When things go well, she won't be too excited and she's not worried about the weight she expected to be the No. 1 Girls player.

This is the Pareja title after this year's Wimbledon Youth Championship, where she reached the finals of singles and doubles matches.

Despite missing both finals, the teenager's disappointment was later told about her new ranking.

She said, “I'm like, oh, wow, I didn't even expect it.”

“It shows all the hard work and effort you put into practice, and the team that helps you become better every day, and it all pays off. So I'm so excited. It's one of the many small goals I have.”

Promising talent

While the primary event of the Grand Slam is not usually aroused widespread interest, Pareja's name was talked about in Wimbledon's reporters this year, some of whom predicted the 16-year-old.

Earlier this year, Pareja became the youngest player to enter the WTA Tour semifinals since 2019.

Despite losing out of the last four of Copa Colsanitas in Colombia, it shows what Pareja can do at this level.

This is particularly special given Pareja's Colombian heritage, where her mother comes from a South American country and her father also has a Colombian family.

In fact, it was her family who sparked her love for the sport. Pareha said she first picked up a tennis racket when she was 4 and her mom helped her learn the basics in a district court near the house.

Her two older sisters also played this game, serving as the perfect role model for Pareja during those years.

While her two siblings still have an influence on her game, Parija also noted that Spanish legend Rafael Nadal is one of her biggest idols.

“It's just his competitive attitude, his mindset on the court,” she said. “He's just a super modest person and you can tell him he's putting a lot of work into his mindset. I really like the way he plays and his calmness in court.”

Balanced life and tennis

Pareja's calmness and maturity certainly translated into her own game during an interview with CNN Sports. Nothing seems to disappoint her, she is committed to getting better in every way.

There are up to two sessions a day, and work and adjustments are performed in the gym. There is no other time to do other time except tennis in a young person’s life.

But Pareja struggles to reach balance, manages to still be with friends and takes time to read or relax on the beach near home.

But becoming a world-class senior professional has never been her mind, and it inevitably involves months of traveling to compete around the world.

Still very small. Pareja took the courses as long as possible, but has since switched to online courses, making room for her busy schedule to keep up with her studies.

It's a life that sounds on paper, but it's a life that Americans feel privileged.

“Honestly, I don’t find it tiring to let me go out for a trip. I love playing tennis, having the opportunity to travel around the world, playing sports I love, and having the opportunity to fight against great players.

“Obviously, if you’re going out for three months, I think you’ll be tired, but I think being able to go home for a week, or take a few days off, you know, just help you.

“But then you got back on the court. I know there are a lot of areas in my game that have to improve, and I think it really motivated me because I know I have a lot to do in court and I really want to be better every day.”

As for her ambitions for this year’s U.S. Open, her focus is just to enjoy the experience. She will surely be tested in the first round when she faces Grand Slam champion and current World Top 10 Elena Rybakina.

But no matter what happens, this game seems to be just the next step for her to be the best player she might be.