My Sweet Abuela
Get to know my cute grandma! I sent her some questions and she and my grandpa spent all afternoon putting her answers together on their iPad :)
When and why did you start playing tennis?
I started when I was about 8 years old old and it was because my older sister Melita was already the Mexican Champ, and I wanted to be like her
When did you realize that you were good enough to go pro?
When I became the Mexican National Champ at the age of 18 beating the defending champion.
How many years did you play professionally and why did you stop?
Just about eight years. However it wasn’t professional tennis, because we weren’t allowed to received prize money, just enough to cover expenses. I stopped the international circuit because I got married. And I could not travel anymore because I had to work to help my husband finish college.
What was your favorite tournament to play?
It was Roland Garros in Paris because I loved playing on clay, since I learned to play on clay and I had the best results there. However I loved Wimbledon! First because of its tradition, atmosphere and also because I had very good results there.
What did you win instead of money for winning the tournaments?
I got only trophies and some presents like vouchers to exchange at sports shops. For reaching the finals in singles at Roland Garros, I got a only a perfume bottle!
Tell us about the first time you played against Billie Jean King
It happened at Centre Court at Wimbledon and after three days of delays I ended beating her in three long sets. After that she became number one in the world.
When did you meet my grandpa? Was it love at first sight?
When the Mexican Tennis Association asked me to play with the Junior Mexican Champ ,whom he was. We happened to win the tournament. It was not love at first sight… I was a good friend of his older brother and then I started dating your granddad and playing tournaments together.
Do you still play tennis?
Not anymore because my knees hurt when I play. I only go to the gym a couple of times a week and I ride the stationary bike.
Are you still involved with tennis?
I give some talks at conferences, occasionally award trophies at tournaments and help with the juniors by giving them some tips. Also, your grandad and I helped put on a street clinic for kinds in poor neighborhoods that couldn’t afford to play otherwise.
How can we get more Mexican players to break through?
The Mexican Tennis Federation should have a National Program to develop players from the very early ages and follow them until they become juniors and eventually pros. However it takes a lot of financial support these days to go pro.
Why do you think playing sports is so important and can you talk about what tennis has done for you?
It helps to keep juniors away from trouble and is good for health and it teaches them discipline. Tennis for me has helped me in so many ways like to be disciplined, to travel all over the world and represent my country in so many international tournaments. Through tennis I met my husband and tennis also enabled me to teach children, including my kids, who were able to get tennis scholarships. Marnie went to TCU in Fort Worth and Ponch went to NC State. Neto also became a great player and he played and taught at many great facilities in both Mexico and the U.S.
What is your favorite tennis memory?
When I beat Billy Jean King in the first round at Centre Court at Wimbledon and then she became world famous. It still thrills me remembering that long match we played.
Who is your favorite tennis player and why?
I would say Roger Federer he has so much class, the way he plays is so elegant and he is so good for the sport. When I played, my favorite and some how still is, Rod Laver.
Can you tell us about Billy Knight and what it means to you?
Before I met your grandad we dated and won a lot of tournaments together, including Roland Garros. Until now he remains one of my best friends. Each year we meet at Roland Garros and have a traditional dinner with his family and mine.
