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Teen competes in U.S. tennis championships

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By Bill Tamburrino

Jessica Failla has had a very busy summer as the junior tennis player has competed in a tournament just about every week.

“Some of the tournaments last a week and some last for a week and a half. So I have been very busy,” said Jessica.

The Ramona tennis player has earned frequent flier miles this summer during her travels to Virginia Beach, Utah, and up and down the West Coast.

Jessica didn’t have to travel very far for a recent tournament. The United States Tennis Association National Championships were held at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego and she competed in the 16 and under national championships.

There were 256 of the nation’s finest junior tennis players competing in Jessica’s division. She advanced the round of 128 by defeating Isabelle Dohanics of Pennsylvania, 6-0 and 6-2.

Jessica was the underdog against the number one player from Texas, Caroline Turner, but the girl from Ramona pulled off an upset and won in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-3.

In the round of 64, Jessica pulled off another upset as she defeated Katharine Fahey of New Jersey in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-4.

Star Makarome of Florida eliminated Jessica in the round of 32 by 6-2 and 6-2.

After the loss, Jessica said, “It is tough competing against so many top players in the nation. We have all trained so hard and want to win so badly. I just try to stay focused on the court and play for an audience of one.”

When asked what was the most positive experience in competing in the national championships, Jessica responded by saying, “Playing in such tough competition is a great experience. In the third round I was playing a girl from Pennsylvania and I was lucky enough to have so many friends, family members and my coach there supporting me. That was a very special experience.”

Jessica is going to take a week off to recover from strained ribs and a shoulder ailment and then get ready to travel to Las Vegas in early September for another tournament. She plans on continuing to improve her game.

When asked if she would like to compete in the Olympics, Jessica chuckled and said, “That would be nice. I think they only take three tennis players to the Olympics. If I made that team, that would mean that I was one of the best in the world.”

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