Argentina's Sierra making hay while sun shines at Wimbledon

Solana Sierra has become the first Argentinian woman to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon since Paola Suarez in 2004 after defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa. The 21-year-old prevailed 7-5 1-6 6-1. 

This year’s Wimbledon had already been incredibly special for Sierra after she claimed her first main draw match-win at a Grand Slam by beating Australia’s Olivia Gadecki before proceeding to defeat Great Britain’s Katie Boulter in round two.

That is by no means the whole story neother as Sierra lost in qualifying for the tournament and was only entered in the main draw following an injury to Belgium’s Greet Minnen which gave her lucky loser status.

Sierra is a player who has progressed along the ITF player pathway, reaching No. 12 in the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Rankings and making the semi-finals of the US Open Junior Championships in September 2022.

During her US Open run, she was a member of the ITF-operated Grand Slam Player Development Programme Touring Team, which helps players from developing tennis nations play at a level of competition that would otherwise prove difficult. She is also a three-time recipient of financial assistance, totalling $75,000, through the ITF-operated GSPDP.

Solana regularly competes in Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge for Argentina and last season was one of the standout performers on the ITF World Tennis Tour, winning six titles. In April, she lifted silverware at a WTA event – Antalya 125 – for the first time.

She has since triumphed at W75 Bellinzona – the 15th professional title of her career and her joint-biggest on the ITF World Tennis Tour.