Dubai: Her conquests include former top-50 players Elena Bovina, Sorana Cirstea and Marina Erakovic and it was no wonder 23-year-old Magali de Lattre was the centre of attention at the Equelite Juan Carlos Ferrero Tennis Academy at the Emirates Golf Club. The Portuguese number two is bidding to get into the top-200 by the end of next year after spending nearly a year on the sidelines and it's only natural that she has chosen Dubai as the platform for her revival.
Obvious choice
Speaking to XPRESS, De Lattre said: "I won two of my 10 ITF titles in Dubai back in 2008. I have stayed in Dubai during my recuperating period following my knee operation last year, so I know about this place. It is only natural that as I try get back to my best, I do my training here."
The Portuguese Fed Cup player revealed why she had almost quit tennis at one point of her short career. "I had problems with my ex-coach, who did not have faith in my abilities. I was depressed and lost confidence in myself. Then came the knee operation and my career was really at the crossroads. But I stuck through it because all I ever wanted to do was play tennis and slowly but surely I am getting back to where I know I can be," she said.
De Lattre, who is targeting a move into the top-100 by 2012 end said she is expecting a lot out of training at the academy. "I expect good competition here, especially playing against the guys. I am already finding good rhythm. The idea is to add a more attacking dimension to my game. I also need to improve my physique and get faster around the court," she said.
Academy founder and director Luis Miguel Reis was understandably happy to have a pro join his camp. "She is without a doubt the standout player at the camp this year. We are very happy to have Magali based at the academy as she fits the profile of the player we wish to have here. She is exceptionally hard-working, has a very competitive nature, loves the game and always strives to improve. Furthermore, she is down-to-earth and is a great role model for our younger players," he said.
De Lattre, on her part, dreams of playing the qualifiers of the Dubai Tennis Championships, but she knows time is too short. "I'll give it my best shot to make it back there again after 2009," she said.
