Emiliana Arango’s Remarkable Comeback: Coach Felipe Baron Confident She’ll Enter Top 100 in World Rankings

Emiliana Arango’s Remarkable Comeback: Coach Felipe Baron Confident She’ll Enter Top 100 in World Rankings

Felipe Baron, the coach of Colombian tennis player Emiliana Arango, expressed strong confidence that she can finish the year ranked among the top 100 players globally, securing her spot in the upcoming Australian Open for next year.

Arango’s performance over the past year has been nothing short of impressive. Her coach, Felipe Barón, attributes her success to her dedication and preparation for tournaments, regardless of the challenges she has faced. Notably, she had a significant hip injury that necessitated a six-month break from playing. Despite this setback, her resilience and commitment to her sport have seen her rise in the global ranking, currently placing her within the top 150.

In a radio station interview, Baron stated that he believes Arango’s hard work has paid off, and he is optimistic about her prospects. One of her standout performances this year was at the Guadalajara Open, where her decision to arrive a week early allowed her sufficient time to adapt and compete confidently against top-tier players. While the Colombian’s dream was halted by Greece’s Maria Sakkari at the Guadalajara Master 1,000, who defeated her 6-3 and 6-4 to advance to the semifinals, Arango’s performance remained exceptional.

Adapting Strategy for Continued Success

When discussing Arango’s match against Maria Sakkari, Baron highlighted her evolving game strategy. She has demonstrated her ability to adapt her service speeds and ball heights, which has been key to her victories. However, he also identified areas where she needs to improve. Specifically, she needs to work on countering powerful shots, a common strength among high-ranking players. This analysis emphasizes the coach’s commitment to ensuring the young player continues to evolve her game for continued success.

Comparing Arango to fellow Colombian player Maria Camila Osorio, Baron pointed out the differences in their training processes. These differences are primarily based on their individual characteristics. While Osorio is described as having more talent and superior ball-handling skills, Arango’s strength lies in her physical effort and fighting spirit during matches. Both players are expected to excel in the upcoming year, contributing to a strong Federation Cup team that will compete against Japan for a place in the world group.

Future Plans and Prospects

As Arango’s ranking continues to rise, her team has had to revise her 2023 calendar. She will now participate in more significant tournaments, graduating from Challengers to WTA 250 and WTA 500 events. Her team is currently evaluating the most beneficial schedule for her. This move signifies the player’s growth in the sport and her readiness to compete at higher levels.