Lubomir's Tennis Blog

Practicing with the New Babolat AeroPro Drive

2010-05-16T18:49:00.008+03:00

As you already very well know I am obsessed with playing with the Babolat tennis equipment.

That is why I have been so happy to receive the latest AeroPro Drive racket from my sponsor Babolat Bulgaria (Essen Ltd., Varna, Bulgaria) last month.

Also I have just started my YouTube Channel: Lubomir's Tennis YouTube, and uploaded three videos from my practicing with the new Babolat AeroPro Drive racket.

The videos have been taken and the practicing held by my tennis coach Ivo Velichkov from the Levski Tennis Club (Sofia, Bulgaria) on the courts of my tennis club in the Borisova Gradina, Sofia, April 2010.

Update: The videos have been reduced in size.

On the 2010 ITF Tennis Europe Development Championships 1&2

2010-05-13T20:55:00.007+03:00

It is with some considerable delay I am writing this post. However I need to share some thoughts on the ITF Tennis Europe Development Championships 1&2 plus a few photos.

From ITF Tennis Europe Development Championships 1 and 2

Firstly, the ITF/Tennis Europe sponsored event was held from March 19 to March 28 in Antalia, Turkey. It consisted of two consecutive tournaments held over two weeks. All results are available on the special Tennis Europe tournaments & rankings website: ITF Tennis Europe Development Championships 1 and ITF Tennis Europe Development Championships 2.

Secondly, I have participated in the event together with three other Bulgarian colleagues - all finalists from the last National Winter Indoors Tennis Championship: Andrey Alawi (Winner), Julia Terzyiska (Winner) and Victoria Ocheva (Finalist).

Thirdly, in the first tournament I have succeeded in getting to the 15 place, and to the 16 place - in the second. This places option included several post-main draw consolation matches. In both tournaments in the second round I had to give way to the undisputed winner of both tournaments - Alexander Lebedyn from the Ukraine.

In the fourth place, my thanks go to the Bulgarian Tennis Federation who were able to send our delegation one day in advance of the event. Thus we had sufficient time to get accommodated to the new conditions. Also, I wish to express my thanks to my sponsor Babolat Bulgaria for providing me with the excellent Babolat tennis equipment. I am grateful to Mr Dimitar Dimov, the accompanying Bulgarian coach and delegation captain, and to my coach Ivo Velichkov from the Levski Tennis Club, Sofia, too.

Finally, unfortunately I was able to take just a few photos from the event which I had put together in the following slideshow.

If you need more info about the event, please read the review "ITF/Tennis Europe 14 & Under Development Championships" in the regular Tennis Europe newsletter - Tennis Europe News - Issue 79 | April 2010.

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My Biggest Thank You to My Sponsor, Babolat Bulgaria

2010-04-17T20:28:00.005+03:00

I have just received my brand new tennis equipment for this year from my sponsor, Babolat Bulgaria, represented by Esen Ltd.

This post is to express my gratitude to the company from Varna, Esen Ltd., and Babolat as a whole.

Also I would like to share my complete satisfaction with the unique Babolat products I've got used to in my tennis life.

First and foremost I'd like to point out the new Aero Pro Drive racket. This is a superb piece of tennis equipment which makes my play better and better every day.

I shall be writing more and in detail about my full Babolat tennis equipment in my next posts.

Thank you, Esen people! Thank you, Babolat!

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Photos from Tennis Europe 2010 Winter Cups by Head in Correggio, Italy

2010-02-09T14:20:00.003+02:00

I am pleased to invite you to view my camera photos from the Winter Cups Tournament.

Enjoy!

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Third in Correggio: Tennis Europe 2010 Winter Cups By Head

2010-02-08T00:11:00.007+02:00

Our team have reached the third place after two victories over Croatia and Serbia respectively.

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Start of New Year, New Luck!

2010-02-03T22:45:00.026+02:00

This New Year has started with long-awaited tennis challenges for me.

I have played two important tournaments in January: both the National Winter Indoors Championships, 14&Under and 16&Under. The events were held in Khaskovo from the 8th to the 25th of January and hosted by the local Tennis Club. Excellent organization, perfect hotel and meals!

At the National Winter Indoors Championship, 14&Under, I got myself into the singles Final with easy wins. First-rate semi-final match against Gabriel Donev (6:2, 6:1).

Unlike the semi-final I made insufficient progress during the Final. Lost against Andrey Alawi: 0:6, 3:6.

In the doubles matches I enjoyed my participation as well. Final again, together with my new partner, Gabriel Donev! We played against Andrey Alawi and Stoyan Stankov. Equal game, a set for each team, then we lost in the tiebreaker: 4:6, 6:3, 10:7.

The National Winter Indoors Championship, 16&Under, immediately followed. In the singles I started in the qualifiers with two easy wins and continued into the main Draw. I had no problems at the round of 32 against Vladimir Vassilev (6:0, 6:2).

Then I had to play a match against the strongest player and old acquaintance of mine, Plamen Mitev, who is two and a half years older than myself. Following my best performance at the 14&Under singles against Gabriel Donev this encounter was challenging and strength-consuming. I could not overcome my opponent after three sets (lost with 1:6, 7:6 /11:9/, 3:6), but that match gave me full satisfaction with the way I played. Later Plamen became the Singles Champion of the Tournament.

My doubles performance was not impressive, though. Together with my old partner, Aykout Sezgin, we lost in the first round against Gabriel Donev and Petar Atanassov.

After a brief break I returned to the grounds of my new Tennis Club, Levski Sofia TC.

Also, today was the end of the three day pre-competition camp before the Bulgarian National Team, 14&Under, consisting of three players, Andrey Alawi, myself and Stoyan Stankov, and a coach, Dimitar Dimov, flies to Italy tomorrow.

In the town of Correggio we are going to participate in the 2010 Tennis Europe Winter Cups by Head from the 5th to the 7th of February.

Wish us all good luck!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-25T23:01:00.006+02:00

I extend my wishes to my coach, Ivo Velichkov, the staff of Levski Tennis Club, Sofia, my sponsor Essen OOD, Varna, and my family for a wonderful and joyous holiday season filled with the warmth of loved ones and friends.

May this Chistmas and the New 2010 bring you peace, happiness, and good health.

Lubomir L.

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14&Under Masters: Success!

2009-10-18T20:35:00.009+03:00

This week, at the very end of the national tennis season in the 14&Under age group I have participated in the Masters Tournament of the Bulgarian Tennis Federation.

I am pleased to let you know that I have succeeded in winning the title!

From Masters09

The event of the national top 8 juniors - both girls and boys, was held in the small town of Kharmanli, Southern Bulgaria. While the hosts - the local tennis club and the not too distant Svilengrad tennis club, were very nice, the cold and windy weather set real obsticales in front of all outdoor players.

Unfortunately a couple of best players were not able to attend. Nevertheless the event was a strong one.

From Masters09

I have played three matches in the second group of four players and qualified second for the semifinal. Two wins against Miroslav Georgiev (6:7 /4/, 7:5, 6:3) from the Lozenets 2000 TC, Sofia, and Aykout Sezgin from the Lokomotiv 98 TC, Plovdiv. One loss against Stoyan Stankov (3:6, 3:6) from the Chernomoretz TC, Burgas.

In the semifinal I met an old acquaintance of mine - Stanislav Nickov from Khaskovo TC, Khaskovo. Unlike my initial group encounters this match was a relatively easy win: 6: 1, 6:4.

Then came the final against Svetozar Todorov from the Lokomotiv 98 TC, Plovdiv. I was victorious in two sets only: 6:4, 6:4.

From Masters09

The girls winner became Stefani Andreeva from the Lokomotiv Plovdiv TC, Plovdiv.

From Masters09

Believe all players and organizers enjoyed themselves during this excellent event. My special thanks go to the local people from Kharmanli and Svilengrad, the Bulgarian Tennis Federation, my coach and parents.

First European Points

2009-08-19T23:20:00.019+03:00

This is my first update since a very long time - my previous post dates back to April 30th, 2009.

There have been many changes in my sport life over the period elapsed. I shall be presenting the particulars in separate forthcoming posts.

Firstly, the great news. I have been able to pass the first round of the TennisEurope Tournament, the BBB Cup, from July 27 to August 02, 2009 in Svilengrad, Bulgaria. Thus I have a TennisEurope official ranking with points at #690 as of August 13, 2009.

During the Svilengrad Tournament I won over Charly Zick from Germany (6:3, 6:1) in the first round of the Main Draw. However, next I lost to the old acquaintance of mine from Poland - Oscar Michalek (1:6, 1:6).

The same happened in the doubles rounds. I had a very good partner from Portugal - Fernando Sousa. We won the first match against the strong Bulgarian team - Svetozar Todorov and Christian Mitev. The second match, on the other hand, was a disaster for us. We lost against a German pair - Charly Zick and Niclas Braun, 5:7, 1:6.

I greatly enjoyed my time with the expert coach of Fernando: Tiago Castro Parreira, from the Azores Islands as well.

Today I have started playing at the National Clubs Championship in Pazardjik, Bulgaria, together with my partners from the Academic Tennis Club.

Excellent day for me and hard luck for the team. Out of the four players I have been able to win over the first racket of the Plovdiv Locomotive Tennis Club Spas Karachomakov. Thus we shall be playing for a place in the 8-14 row.

This for now. New posts for the latest developments to follow as soon as possible.

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Back to the Tennis Stage

2009-04-30T22:22:00.006+03:00

After a long wait I'm ready to announce my return to playing in tennis tournaments.

My three month hiatus has enabled me to recover from my heels problems, gather new strengths and now head on to a fresh start in tennis. I've devoted my time to swimming, fitness and learning school subjects.

Now I'm back to practicing with my new coach Mikhail Andreev at my new club: Academic Tennis Club, Sofia.

My first tennis tournament for this year following the Winter Indoor Championships in January is just a few days away: the Neftokhimik 2009 Cup in Burgas (May 5-8, 2009).

Again many thanks to my parents and all my friends who have been most helpful and supportive to get myself back on the court.

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My Sister and the UNLV Women's Tennis Team Featured in a New Website

2009-03-14T11:29:00.019+02:00

Tennis Habitat, a new website now serving Las Vegas, USA, has just published in their spotlight the UNLV Women's Tennis Team.

My sister is currently leading the UNLV Ladies Tennis Squad and is featured in the video.

UNLV Lady Rebels Spotlight from Tennis Habitat on Vimeo.

Check out the team photos as well.

Enjoy!

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My Sister: Second Mountain West Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week Honor

2009-02-28T11:50:00.006+02:00

As the official athletics website of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) has reported on February 25, 2009 my sister Kristina has "won her second Mountain West Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week honor on Wednesday". Thus she is "supplying more evidence of a breakout season after elevating to the top spot in the UNLV lineup".

Further the article mentions that Kristina is ranked 117th in the US University women's tennis and has "improved her record to 12-3 in singles and 11-3 in doubles along with partner Katy Williams."

Also she has occupied the "seventh place on the UNLV all-time list for doubles wins with 59 and solidified her record-setting career doubles winning percentage at the school with .766".

Congrats sis! Keep on the excellent work!

Cheers!

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Off the Courts for Three Months

2009-02-14T10:29:00.006+02:00

My medical checks have proven the best option: accelerated growth of my legs, especially my heels. So much the better than an injury!

Unfortunately, I'll have to keep away from the courts for quite some time. Provisionally for three months!

I have been assigned physiotherapy sessions and a special dieting.

Of course, I need to keep my physical shape fit as well. Apart from my daily fitness and stretching exercises at home I've started taking one hour swimming lessons every day.

From Swimming Feb. 09

I go to the swimming pool at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the center of Sofia. Under the guidance of Ms. Anni Lazarova, an experienced coach, I am learning to swim and gradually improving. Hopefully after some time I'll be able to swim a bit more time each day.

I can not forget my tennis practice also. Doctors permitting I'll engage myself in practice sessions to keep my strokes by hitting the ball from one place only.

I've received a much needed support from my tennis coach and my athletics coach, from my friends from the Akademik Tennis Club, too. Naturally, my family has been very supportive all the time. Thank you!

Hope to return back to playing the wonderful game of tennis as soon as possible!

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End of Tournament and School Exams (First Term)

2009-02-08T12:17:00.003+02:00

This is a very late post to confirm that last month I have not been able to move beyond the Quarterfinal in Singles and the Semifinal In Doubles at the Winter National Tennis Championships, 14&Under.

Lost my singles match against Svetozar Todorov, Lokomotov 98 TC, Plovdiv: 3:6, 3:6. As a matter of fact, despite all my efforts the heels pains made me unstable to let the opponent become victorious at the end.

Later during the same day I played together with my partner, Kaloyan Mikhailov, the Semifinal doubles match. Feeling more comfortable with my legs I played much better than in the previous singles match, especially during the second set. We lost 2:6, 5:7.

From Winter National Tennis Championships 2009, 14&Under

After the tournament I took my time to prepare myself for the first portion of my school exams. By the end of January I successfully passed my examinations in the English Language, Geography, Music, Arts, Applied Arts, Physical Education, Information Technologies.

Now I am undergoing a series of medical checks to find out more about my heels problems. My family is very much concerned with my legs discomfort. Best option is signs of accelerated growth.

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Singles: Into the Quarterfinals, Doubles: Semifinal!

2009-01-16T22:43:00.007+02:00

Today is the third day of the Main Draw at the Winter National Tennis Championships, 14&Under.

I have played successfully my first match in singles against a strong seeded (10th) opponent from Khaskovo Tennis Club: Manol Mikhailov. In the previous round Manol has won against Vlasimir Vassilev (Slavia Bomel TC) in three sets. Today despite an increasing pain in my left heel I have played very well and finalized the match in two sets 6:3, 6:2.

From Winter National Tennis Championships 2009, 14&Under

Tomorrow I shall be playing a quarterfinals match. My opponent is an old acquaintance of mine, Svetozar Todorov from Locomotive 98 TC, Plovdiv. Hope to recover as much as possible from my heel's troubles.

I have played my second doubles match today as well. My doubles partner for this event is Kaloyan Mikhailov from Levski TC, Sofia. We have been playing with Babolat tennis equipment from our sponsor Essen Ltd., Varna.

From Winter National Tennis Championships 2009, 14&Under

Our first match was yesterday against Stoyan Plougarev, Silistra TC, and Georgi Kolev, Sevlievo TC. We won in two sets 6:2, 6:2.

Today we've had difficult time due to my injury. Nevertheless, it has been a good game against a tough doubles team from Plovdiv: Aykout Sezgin and Sevozar Todorov, both from Locomotive 98 TC. Final score in our favor 6:4, 5:7, 11:9.

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New Year, New Opportunities, New Challenges

2009-01-12T20:44:00.013+02:00

As the Bulgarian saying goes: "New Year, New Luck!" here I am at the very start of New Year 2009 with a New Club and a New Coach.

I have moved to train at and play for the Academic Tennis Club in Sofia. My new coach is Mikhail Andreev, a young and promising tennis professional.

From Misc

Also my first serious challenge for this year is the Winter National Tennis Championships in 14&Under which have just started. Seeded 7th I shall be playing at the round of 16 on Thursday or Friday at the Sofia Sports Complex in Borisova Gradina, Sofia. I feel confident to make a strong start at the beginning of the tennis season.

From Misc

Finally I need to mention with gratitude the opportunities offered by the Bulgarian Tennis Federation to the players of the national tennis teams to engage in daily 2 hour practice sessions throughout December last year. At the weekends all young tennis players from Sofia and other cities were able to train at the tennis courts too. This is a very strong support for the development of young Bulgarian tennis players. My practice sessions have been led by the experienced and knowledgeable coach Yulian Stamatov from the Bulgarian Tennis Federation. Thank you!

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Merry Christmas and Happy New 2009

2008-12-27T23:38:00.005+02:00

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Babolat Exclusive Distributor in Bulgaria, Esen Ltd., Becomes My Sponsor

2008-11-10T21:52:00.005+02:00

It has been a great day today!

I have received my sponsorship contract and tennis equipment from Esen Ltd., Bulgaria, the Exclusive Distributor of Babolat VS S.A. in my country.

From My Sponsor Esen Ltd., Bulgaria

I am grateful to Mr. Stanimir Nedev, President of Esen Ltd., who has delivered such an outstanding support to my tennis development. This even more important as I am able now to continue playing with my beloved tennis equipment from the last two years.

Please, visit my Picasa web album My Sponsor Esen Ltd., Bulgaria to view today's collection of photos or/and the clip below.

From My Sponsor Esen Ltd., Bulgaria

I wish every success to Mr. Stanimir Nedev and his company! Naturally, Babolat as well!

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My Other Sports - Athletics and Basketball

2008-11-03T21:27:00.002+02:00

I am fully immersed now in my end-of-year training program.

Next to tennis I've become involved in other sports too, especially athletics and basketball.

I have three regular one hour sessions in athletics with Mr. Dimcho Nikov, Head Coach of CSKA Athletics Club, every week. The weather in October has been great and I've been able to improve a lot in the open at the National Stadium Vassil Levski.

From My Other Sports - Athletics & Basketball

Also in October I've started attending basketball trainings sessions at my school. There the Akhil (Achilles) Basketball Club is holding practice sessions with school children twice a week.

I enjoy playing with my school mates and also learn a lot under the guidance of Mr. Kouchkov, Head Coach of Akhil BC.

From My Other Sports - Athletics & Basketball

I love to play football as well. Recently it has become a good habit of ours to have it included in our tennis warm-up. Also whenever possible I join the kids from my neighborhood to play football in the schoolyard during my free time.

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My Recent Finding: CoreTennis.net

2008-10-23T08:45:00.005+03:00

I have been so pleasantly surprised to find the excellent website CoreTennis.Net. It is plentiful with multifaceted information about all aspects of current tennis: players bios, tournaments, statistics... The site is so well organized that it has become my favorite place to visit next to TennisEurope.org.

CoreTennis.net has also surprised with their info about young players. I have found a page about myself with the precise data from my tournaments. Perfect job!

From Misc

As you can see I have no photo on the page. That is why I've updated my info from the Player Form page and believe it will be published soon together with some additional data.

I highly recommend this exclusive source. Follow your tennis news there. And if you are a player get your info updated.

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Third in Plovdiv, Missed the Masters

2008-10-15T12:04:00.005+03:00

The national summer tennis season 2008 is drawing to a close.

I was successful in the last but one tournament 14&Under in Plovdiv. Named "The Best Sixteen" it is a traditional event held at the Locomotiv Plovdiv tennis complex at the end of September. The weather was definitely unwelcoming and we had to play both on clay and indoors. In singles I managed to reach the Semis defeating good players like Gabriel Donev, M-Sport, and Stanislav Nikov, Khaskovo. Then I lost my semifinal against Villian Petrov, Albena Plovdiv, in a competition held on quite a muddy surface and after my long fight in the second set. Later Villian Petrov won the tournament.

Unfortunately I had to miss the Masters tournament which was held in Razgrad. After Plovdiv I fell ill with a strong influenza and my doctor strongly recommended that I keep my room at home. Gabriel Donev, M-Sport, won the title and I'm sending my congrats to him!

So at the end of the season and until January 2009 I'll remain at the top of the national ranking in 12&Under. In 14&Under I've moved to #15 which effectively will put me among the first 8 (as #7) players for the All Bulgaria National Indoors Championships, January 2009.

So far so good, I extend my thanks to all my supporters, coaches, BFT officials and family!

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My Pictures from the Balkan Tennis Games

2008-09-18T20:49:00.005+03:00

As promised I have uploaded a number of pictures from the Balkan Tournament in Veria, Greece to my public Picasa Web Albums. Please click on the link below each photo in this posting to enjoy the full collection.

Every hard won medal tastes nice, so the big boys say...

From Balkan Tennis Games, 9th Annual Tournament, National Teams 14&Under, Veria, Greece

Our boys team, second place: (left to right) Plamen Mitev, myself and Villian Petrov. Coach & Captain Vladimir Terziev.

From Balkan Tennis Games, 9th Annual Tournament, National Teams 14&Under, Veria, Greece

Our girls team, third place: (left to right) Cveta Dimitrova, Julia Terziyska and Anna Veleva. Coach & Captain Alexander Penev.

From Balkan Tennis Games, 9th Annual Tournament, National Teams 14&Under, Veria, Greece

Good play, nice results, cheerful faces...

From Balkan Tennis Games, 9th Annual Tournament, National Teams 14&Under, Veria, Greece

Happy Vladimir Terziev.

From Balkan Tennis Games, 9th Annual Tournament, National Teams 14&Under, Veria, Greece

We had great time playing against strong teams, enjoyed meeting new friends on and off the court and retained many nice memories from sunny Greece. Our coaches were great. The organization was perfect. Thanks everybody and meet again for new challenges!

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Thunder and Lightning at Flushing Meadows: Grigor the Junior Champion Takes the Title

2008-09-08T09:07:00.006+03:00

I am very happy to share the enjoyment among the Bulgarian tennis players, coaches and fans as we are eagerly discussing the new feat of Grigor Dimmitrov by becoming the Junior Boys' Champion at US Open 2008.

Excellent for superb Grigor!

Grigor, keep up the good work and have us so entertained and happy in your pro tennis life as well!

There are plenty news sources about the event. May I recommend just two:

Vandeweghe and Dimitrov win US Open crowns
Dimitrov Stops Britton's Dream Run, Takes Junior Boys' Title

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Team Second at the Balkan Tennis Games 14 & Under

2008-09-06T15:05:00.009+03:00

Our team (Plamen Mitev , Villian Petrov and myself) just finished playing at the final against Turkey at the Balkan Tennis Games, 14&Under, in Veria, Greece. Unfortunately we lost 2:1 and remained second.

I played in the doubles game which at its start was not developing very well for us. First set lost 4:6. Then the Turkish counterparts decided to withdraw.

Earlier, at the group phase, I played doubles against the only rival team from Albania. Villian and I reached a convincing win 1:6, 0:6 to which I contributed with a very good play and several aces.

I'll be bringing forward here some photos upon my return home tomorrow.

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Many Thanks to The Bulgarian Tennis Federation!

2008-09-03T19:36:00.005+03:00

This is a special posting for me.

I am writing now to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Bulgarian Tennis Federation who have helped me so much to fulfill many of my desires in my tennis life.

The previous month of August has been great for me.

I've received the BTF outstanding support to participate in my mini-European tour, the 2008 Tennis Europe Nations Challenge by HEAD and the 38 International Generali Bambini Cup, 12&Under, in Kufstein, Austria, the two international Bankia tournaments 14&Under in Bulgaria, Main Draw wild cards in the Bankia Water Cup & the Bankia Cup, and now the Balkan Tennis Games 14&Under in Greece (starting on September 4, 2008).

From EuropeTour2008

These tournaments have been inspiring for me and believe there will be many good news in the future!

More to highlight my best experiences in the above-mentioned events in the posts to follow...

Again, thank you all coaches and tennis specialists. May the best of luck be with you!

September 1, 2008
Sofia

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