Q&A With Junior US Open Semifinalist: Katerina Stewart

Get to know Katerina Stewart, one of Just Drop the Ball's 10 American teens to watch in 2015 (WTA).  Katerina hails from a tennis family.  Her mom, Marina, is a teaching pro from Argentina while dad, Caesar, is the director of Next Level Tennis Academy in Coral Gables, Florida.  The teenager is at a career high WTA ranking of 349 and hopes to carry the momentum into 2015.  Check out the Q&A below to learn more about her game, tennis goals, and more!

Katerina Stewart in 1st round qualifying action at the US Open

 

Questions and Answers

Can you tell us a little bit about your game style?

Best way to describe my game style is a grinder. I'll work for every point. Don't win by hitting winners.

Favorite shot? Part of the game you look to improve upon?

Drop shot. Always looking to improve everything that I can at all times.

If you can hit with any player, who would it be and why?

I would love to hit with Rafa. He's such a good role model and such a hard worker and a great champion.

Do you have a special pre-match routine?

Not anything super specific. Usually like to listen to music before the match to keep from getting distracted and to start getting my game face on.

Favorite surface?

Clay, no doubt.

What are the biggest differences between juniors and pros?

From what I've seen and experienced, power is definitely a big one and also the mental toughness is huge. You don't get many opportunities handed to you like you do in juniors.

Where is your training base?

Miami, FL

You received a qualifying wildcard into the US Open and won a match against Yuliya Beygelzimer (UKR).  Also made your USO main draw debut in the doubles with Louisa Chirico.  In the junior tournament, you advanced to the semifinals.  What was it like to play the American grand slam?

Was definitely a dream to be able to play the qualifying singles and main draw doubles. Really enjoyed playing in front of those crowds and being a part of such great energy in the tournament. Juniors was also very good. Super grateful that I was lucky enough to do so well during that tournament.

Tennis goals?

To maximize my full potential. Whatever rank I end up to be at the end, I'll be happy with as long as I maximize what I have.

Best friend on tour?

None right now. Pretty new to the scene.

Last book you read?

Divergent

Your 5 top songs?

Heroes by Alesso, Our Story by Mako, Prayer In C by Robin Schulz, One Minute More by Capital Cities, and Keep It 100 by Grandtheft.

Goals & travel plans for 2015?

Going to be my first official year being on the pro tour so we will see how everything goes with this new lifestyle.


Thanks again to Katerina for doing the Q&A for Just Drop the Ball Tennis Blog and good luck in 2015!!