A little US gem!

Julieta Pareja is a true prodigy. Born on February 18, 2009 in California, she made junior tennis history by reaching the ITF world No. 1 spot in July 2025. That year, she put together an exceptional run in the junior Grand Slams, notably reaching the singles and doubles finals at Wimbledon. Winner of prestigious tournaments such as the J300 in Indian Wells and the J300 in Barranquilla (already in Colombia), she also reached the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros Junior. Her transition to the pros has been just as impressive: in 2025, at only 16, she became the youngest player since Coco Gauff in 2019 to reach a semifinal on the WTA Tour, right here in Bogota. In 2026, she confirmed her rise by winning the biggest pro title of her career at the W50 in Chihuahua on clay, just before arriving for this edition.

Elizabeth Mandlik, born May 19, 2001 in Florida, carries a name that resonates strongly in tennis history. Daughter of legend Hana Mandlíková, a four-time Grand Slam champion, she has had to carve out her own path far from the heavy shadow of her heritage. While her mother was known for her elegant one-handed backhand, Elizabeth, nicknamed Elli, displays a much more modern and aggressive game, built on foot speed inherited from her grandfather, Vilém Mandlík, an Olympic sprinter. After breaking into the world top 100 in 2023, she is now fighting to regain the consistency that once allowed her to shine in San Jose and at the US Open. A fiery competitor, she relies on her ability to take the ball early to dictate the rallies, a risky but spectacular style that reflects her constant desire to step out of her comfort zone.

Mandlik suffered physically and mentally to turn her match around against Vedder, finishing the encounter completely exhausted. In contrast, Pareja handled her opening match like a simple training session, conserving all her energy. Between a Mandlik who doubts her timing on clay and a Pareja who feels invincible in these conditions, the advantage clearly seems to lean toward youth.