Ricky Mallory, the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association’s national tennis director, has applauded junior player Lee Terceira for winning the under-12 girls division at the Level 5 United States Tennis Association Miami Open.

After being granted a last-minute entry due to a withdrawal, Terceira fought all the way from the round of 16 to overpower Lidiia Filippova 7-5, 6-3 in the final.

Mallory and his son Trey, who were in Florida after Davis Cup duty in Cyprus, witnessed the 12-year-old achieve her success.

“It was a pleasure to watch Lee Terceira, one of Bermuda’s rising junior talents, compete in the USTA Level 5 event at the Canas Racket Academy in Tropical Park, Miami,” Mallory told The Royal Gazette.

“I happened to be in Miami on my way back from the Davis Cup in Cyprus and was fortunate to catch her matches in person.

“It was especially meaningful for me as I have been working closely with Lee over the past few months. She is also part of the BLTA national training programme, which brings together the island’s top juniors across various age groups.

“The programme is designed to further develop advanced players who have represented, or have the potential to represent, Bermuda at the national level.

In the round of 16, Terceira breezed past Bhuvika Syamagari, from Illinois, 6-1, 6-2. She had to fight her way from a set down to floor Sophia Murphy Alvarez, of Florida, 1-6, 6-3, 10-5, in the quarter-finals.

Another gruelling encounter was in store for the Bermuda junior player in the semi-finals when she squared off with Andrea Rivas. Terceira also recovered from conceding the first set to triumph 6-7, 6-3, 10-5.

“Entering the tournament as an alternate, Lee’s ranking was initially not high enough for direct acceptance into the draw,” Mallory added.

“However, she made the most of the opportunity and went on to win the tournament, battling through several tightly contested matches along the way.

“It was an invaluable learning experience, competing against players with diverse styles, identifying opponents’ weaknesses, managing her emotions and maintaining focus under pressure.

“Lee’s success at the USTA Level 5 event reflects not only her dedication and resilience, but also the strength of the structured BLTA’s national training programme, along with the additional guidance provided by coaches within the Pro-Registry.”