Less is much more when picking up first pro win

By Keith Niebuhr
Published June 17, 2007

TAMPA - Stacia Fonseca was tired of the grind, of playing week after week in far away places, of being away from home. The Lutz resident significantly cut back on her schedule this year and thus far her plan appears to be paying off.

At last week's USTA Women's event in Hilton Head Island, S.C., Fonseca claimed her first title as a professional, teaming with Alexandra Mueller to take the doubles championship. Additionally, she tied her best singles finish by reaching the semifinals.

"It's huge, " Fonseca said. "It took a lot of time to win."

Fonseca, 21, turned professional two years ago after turning away scholarship offers from the likes of Duke, Florida and North Carolina. The former Bayshore Christian student is ranked No. 632 in the world, but will rise several spots this week when the points she accumulated in Hilton Head are factored in.

The professional life hasn't been easy.

Particularly the travel.

"I don't like jumping from tournament to tournament, " Fonseca said.

Under the direction of Raul Fonseca, her father and coach, a greater emphasis is being placed on preparation. Days once spent on the road now are spent on a back court most mornings at Harbour Island Athletic Club.

"We're not even shooting at rankings this year, " Raul Fonseca said. "All we're doing is going out and playing. Her game has improved a lot. It has really advanced. Right now, she has a goal and a plan, and we're just sticking to that."

Next up for Fonseca: a July event in Boston followed by a more prestigious WTA tournament in Cincinnati.

"I really hope (the Hilton Head) event will help me get in the groove of winning again, " Fonseca said.

[Last modified June 16, 2007, 23:05:37]