A mental reset helped Mika Stojsavljevic rally from a set down and eventually ease her way into the second round of Junior Wimbledon.
Stojsavljevic, who trains at the LTA’s National Academy in Loughborough, was drawn against Wakana Sonobe of Japan as she looked to start her campaign with a win.
Despite losing the opening set from a winning position, the 14-year-old rallied from a set down to prevail 5-7 6-3 6-1, and set up a second round meeting against fourth seed Lucciana Pérez Alarcón.
“I went a break up in the first set and then didn’t hold my serve and that was tough. I got a bit tense and put too much pressure on myself,” she said.
“I just tried to clear my mind for the second set, I knew I could break her serve and it was about taking my chances.
“I just had a clear plan and felt I had some momentum and didn’t look back really. I’m really pleased I managed to turn it around.
“It means a lot. I had five match points against the number one seed last week and didn’t convert any of them – I felt really tight so it feels great to get over that last hurdle and win at Wimbledon.”
It was a special moment for the 14-year-old, and she had some special support among those cheering her on in the crowd.
Stojsavljevic added: “I had lots of people from my tennis club in Ealing and it was great to see them there. “I just need to keep playing my game and going for my shots. I know the mindset I need and I’ve got to use the crowd to my advantage too.”
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