- May 5, 2024
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Karina Dergunova is pretty good at tennis. Actually, she’s very good — like, best-in-the-state good.
Last week, Karina, 9, won the 10-and-under USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Closed Tennis Championships, in Lake Mary.
Because Karina is 9, she can actually compete in the same event next year.
“This is a huge achievement, as Florida is a hotbed for tennis players from all over the world, and it is by far the strongest tennis state in the U.S.,” said Michael Ouvarov, who coaches and trains Dergunova.
Karina only dropped one set in the entire tournament, which came in the championship.
“Karina thoroughly deserves this victory because she continuously works extremely hard at improving her tennis,” Ouvarov said.
Karina, who attends Imagine School at Town Center, trains before and after school and competes in tournaments on most weekends.
The draw at the state championships, which took place Oct. 5-7, was made up of 12 girls, broken down into two groups of six players. The winners from each group squared off in the finals.
In the final, Karina knocked off Julia Cunha-Comin, of DeLand, in a tight battle, winning the first set 4-1 but losing the second set 1-4. Karina won the tiebreaker, 10-6.
Next up, Karina will be competing in the Little Mo International in December in West Palm Beach, the Eddie Herr International in Bradenton, and the Orange Bowl, in Miami.
“Karina and her father, Konstantin Dergunov, are doing all the right things to give her the best possible chance of succeeding at professional tennis in the future,” Ouvarov said.
Daniel Berenblit, who is also coached by Ouvarov, also had an impressive showing in the boys division, winning three matches and losing two. His work moved him into the top 16 in Florida. Daniel, much like Karina, is 9 years old and can compete in the same age group next year.
