ITF Class of 2024: Solana Sierra
The ITF’s ‘Class of…’ series recognises players who have had a successful year on the ITF World Tennis Tour. It identifies the most promising breakthrough talents and those predicted to go on to bigger things.
This year’s group was decided by a panel of experts. Ashley Keber (WTA), James Marsalek (ATP), Mark Woodforde (ITF), Mary Pierce (ITF) and Nao Kawatei (ITF) voted on a shortlist of 14 players.
Next up is Solana Sierra of Argentina who collected six ITF World Tennis Tour titles and featured in Grand Slam qualifying for the first time this season.
Sometimes the transition from junior tennis is not straightforward, but 2022 Roland Garros girls’ singles runner-up Solana Sierra is making smooth progress.
The 20-year-old Argentine delivered an outstanding 2024 season that saw her win a joint tour-leading six titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour, including four in her home country, and continue her rise up the WTA world rankings, climbing to a career-high No.145 in October.
“The ITF Tour has helped me a lot this year,” said the Mar del Plata native. “It is very competitive, all the girls want to win, which motivates me a lot to improve and train better.”
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Sierra was one of 51 players who received grants of up to $25,000 as part of the Grand Slam Player Development Programme in 2024, and her results more than merited the wise investment.
All six of the 20-year-old’s titles came on clay, which perhaps further underlines her potential for the future given her preferred surface is hard court, which better suits her aggressive style.
“She is very aggressive, she plays close to the net, relying on her physical power,” says Sebastián Gútierrez, her coach for the last nine months, who added that these traits are unusual in an Argentine player.
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Sierra stated her intent by dominating the field at W35 Buenos Aires in January without dropping a set. Three more titles came in an incredible five week spell over the summer when she won W35 Getxo (again without dropping a set), W35 Torino and W35 Pilar, before continuing her strong form at home with back-to-back titles at W50 San Miguel de Tucuman and W50 Pilar in September.
She dropped just one set throughout the fortnight, admitting: “I’m super happy for these two weeks, [it's] a reward for all the work.”
Sierra credits her team for providing “the stability that allows me to be calm on the court, knowing that I have a good team who will always help and support me.”
Gutierrez explained that their approach has been very much driven by the player herself.
“We have worked on the skills she feels she wants to focus on,” he said. “She wants to be more aggressive, to be more consistent.”
Given that seven of her 12 career titles have been won in Argentina, it certainly rewards the decision of the AAT (Asociacion Argentina de Tenis) to stage more ITF World Tennis Tour events.
Sierra acknowledges that playing at home has been very special – and something she does not take for granted.
“When I have the opportunity, I try to enjoy it and take maximum advantage,” she said.
It also means that her family can come to watch, including her pet dog Tino, who accompanied her during the victory ceremony in Pilar.
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As a result of bolstering her ranking, Sierra was able to take part in Grand Slam qualifying events for the first time in 2024. She competed in qualifying at all four majors and, at the US Open, came back from 1-6 0-4 in the final round of qualifying to beat Usue Maitane Arconada and make her Grand Slam debut – albeit falling to wisened pro Tatjana Maria in the first round.
The result illustrated her progress through the professional pathway, coming three years after she reached the semi-finals of the girls’ singles event in New York.
Three years from now might paint an entirely different picture in her fortunes, but one thing is for sure – Sierra has designs on going as far as she possibly can.
“I love playing tennis and will continue working hard," she said. "Obviously I would like to win more titles and attain as high a level as I can. I have big dreams that I hope with hard work and belief I can achieve.”