And Without Making Much Noise, Julieta Pareja Burst Onto the Scene

Andrés Tomás Rico | 5 Apr 2025 | 17.00

And Without Making Much Noise, Julieta Pareja Burst In. Photo: Getty Images.

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Nobody knew who she was, and people didn't know her name, but based on what has been seen at the WTA Bogotá 2025, Julieta Pareja is beginning to show who she is. The 16-year-old American tennis player, just celebrating her birthday and with a Colombian family background, entered the tournament with a wildcard for the qualifying rounds. Since then, she has only known victory: five consecutive wins without dropping a set. Her latest victim was Leolia Jeanjean (7-6(5), 6-3), and she awaits Kataryzna Kawa in the semifinals to secure a spot in the grand final.

Whatever happens for the rest of the tournament, Pareja has already made history in the women's circuit. The American is the first player born in 2009 to reach the main draw of a WTA tournament. And after advancing to the semifinals, she becomes the youngest player to reach this stage since Coco Gauff did it in Linz in 2019.

225 spots up in the WTA ranking in less than a week

She started from the qualifying rounds, initially being ranked 550th in the world, but with each victory, she climbed in the WTA rankings. She is now at 335th place. If she reaches the final, she would rise to 267th, and if she clinches the title, she would be placed at 210th.

"My level doesn't surprise me, but surprising to do it in this tournament. A 250k and I'm in the semis... wow! But I believe my level is there, and I am proud to show it," stated the American, who plays an aggressive game and is coached by Argentine Agustín Velotti.

"I kept my focus and concentration to prevent her from getting back into the match," confessed Pareja after defeating the French player Leolia Jeanjean in the quarters, who is on the cusp of the top 100 (102nd). It's still too early to make any predictions regarding the 16-year-old. Many have fallen by the wayside, but others like Coco Gauff are having a great career. Only Julieta Pareja and destiny will know.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Y sin hacer mucho ruido, irrumpió Julieta Pareja

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