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Carol returns to Eddie Herr tourney
The CNMI’s Carol Lee, left, poses for a photo with Maria Sharapova during a break in her practice at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, last weekend. (Contributed Photo)
The CNMI’s Carol Lee made her second appearance in the prestigious Eddie Herr International Junior Championship last weekend at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Lee first competed in the tournament, where the likes of Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Marcelos Rios, Jelena Jankovic, Kim Clijsters Kei Nishikori, Ana Ivanovic, and Anna Kournikova also saw action, in 2014 when the Commonwealth bet was just an upcoming player in the Pacific.
Dong Min Lee, Carol’s father, recalled how they traveled for more than a day to play in Eddie Herr and got financial assistance from his mother to make it to the competition. Through the generosity of Carol’s grandmother, who passed away last year, Dong Min said her daughter managed to experience and see world-class tennis. Four years later, the 16-year-old continued to have exposure in competitions around the world, as she is now getting assistance from the ITF Grand Slam Development Fund for her impressive showing in various tournaments in the last two seasons.
“I would like to thank those who gave these opportunities to Carol. Thank you to ITF Development, ITF Oceania Training Center, coach Roxanne, and all of our Saipan friends,” the older Lee said.
In her second stint at Eddie Herr, Carol had to play in the qualifying draw of the girls U18 singles. She was pitted against American Giana Puelet, who went on to advance to the second round of the qualifier after a 6-1, 6-2 victory over the CNMI bet.
After the loss, Lee is hoping to still make it the main draw via wild card or lucky loser system. She will also attempt to play in the main draw of the doubles event of the Grade 1 tournament.
