University of Georgia Athletics
Bulldogs of New and Old Battle in South America
November 30, 2021 | Women's Tennis
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Freshman Guillermina Grant faced off against her idol and role model in former Bulldog Lourdes Carle at the Women's Tennis Association Montevideo Open, in Uruguay recently.
In a thrilling match, Grant fell to Carle in straight sets, 7-6 (12-10), 6-2. Grant used the momentum of a successful Fall season to force a tiebreaker with Carle in the opening set, but despite playing with poise, the talented freshman fell victim to the experience of Carle in the second set.
Grant, a native of Montevideo, Uruguay, has made an immediate impact upon arriving in Athens, posting a 10-3 mark in singles play and a 7-3 doubles record over the Fall. The freshman's Fall campaign was highlighted by winning the Consolation Draw of the ITA Southeast Regional over fellow freshman, Mai Nirundorn.
Carle, a native of Daireaux, Argentina, played one season for the Bulldogs before turning professional. She currently ranks No. 44 by the International Tennis Federation and No. 261 by the WTA. As a freshman, she was rated the No. 4 Freshmen/Newcomer by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and was part of the No. 11 doubles team — partner Katarina Jokic.
In 2018-19, she recorded a 23-9 record and earned Doubles All-American honors, was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team, Second-Team All-SEC, and to the Freshmen All-SEC team. Her career was highlighted by monumental win over the No. 1 doubles pair in South Carolina's Horvit/Martins and topping No. 17 Christina Rosca of Vanderbilt in singles action.
Carle advanced to the round of 16 in singles play before falling to the International Tennis Federation No. 1 junior in the world. In doubles action, the tandem of Carle and Laura Pigossi, advanced to the semifinals.
"It was fantastic to see Guillermina and Lourdes battle it out on the big stage of a WTA event," said Georgia associate head coach Drake Bernstein. "They played on stadium court and brought a level of tennis that didn't disappoint. Both competed like Bulldogs, with intensity and respect. For Guillermina, getting experience on that stage is immeasurable, and it was particularly impressive to see her go out there and just play her game, not letting the setting affect her play — if anything she rose to the occasion."
"Gigi is a great player," Carle said. "She is very complete, smart, has great energy, and a spirit that is super important for a tennis player. She has a lot of potential in her game, and most importantly, she is a good person, so whatever she wants to do, she will do it!"
"It means a lot to me, knowing that players from South America are at UGA," said Carle. "It means that the culture of the school is special and great for us. I knew Gigi was going to love Athens, and I could envision her on the team. I'm happy for her because I know she is having a great time and enjoying herself there."
"I think UGA prepares you in the best way for the future," Carle said. "You gain a lot of experience in every way, whether in tennis or life in general. For me, it was a big and important step before going pro, and I feel confident and believe Gigi and everyone that wants to play professionally could do the same too!"
The Bulldogs will be back in action on Saturday, Jan. 22, when they kick-off the Spring dual season in Chapel Hill taking on North Carolina at noon.
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Bulldogs by following UGA Women's Tennis on Twitter @UGAWomensTennis, on Instagram @UGAWomensTennis, and on Facebook @GeorgiaWomensTennis or check out information online at georgiadogs.com.
