Argentina’s top-ranked player advanced to the semifinals of the Spanish tournament under the watchful eye of a legend like Gaby, whom she has admired since childhood.
Gabriela Sabatini is always present. She didn’t stop at being idolized or at what she achieved during her immense career as a tennis player, but continued going to the courts, staying close to the Argentinians and encouraging them. Solana Sierra (86th), the highest-ranked among the Argentinians, is a witness to this and was once again at the WTA 125 in Mallorca: the legend came to support her in her last match, a victory that propelled her to the semifinals.
While standing at the back of the court, a glance to her right was enough to know she had Gaby’s support (captured by @tomistgg’s lens). With the strength that generates, how could she not go out and overpower her opponent: after losing the first set, Solana came back and defeated the Georgian Ekaterine Gorgodze (235th) 3-6, 6-0, and 6-1 after 1h40m.
After the match, Sabatini met with Sierra and, amidst laughter, they shared another moment. One of many that have occurred since the childhood of this 21-year-old figure: in 2010, when Argentina was playing a series against Ukraine for the Fed Cup – now the Billie Jean King Cup – the young girl was photographed with the legend. Images that foretell.
Solana Sierra is Argentina’s hope in Mallorca After the defeat of María Lourdes Carlé (132nd) against the Serbian Teodora Kostovic (213th) 6-4 and 6-2, the player from Mar del Plata became the only Argentine still in the race in the Spanish tournament. In the semifinals, she will face the local Andrea Lázaro García (196th). Besides winning and securing a spot in the final, the right-hander’s goal will be to continue climbing in the rankings, where she is already positioned 79th in the live score.