Proven Results

Dr. Valverde,

Last weekend, Jessica participated in a 16s tournament just to get some match practice as our focus is still on the 14s division to qualify for the Spring National Tournament in Palm Springs. With a tough 32 draw, we did not have high expectations; our goal was to win a first-round match and then, do the best in the second round. In her first match, Jessica played poorly but managed to win by a lopsided score. Luckily, her opponent was not very strong. In the second round the next day, Jessica faced the No. 4 seed: a girl who used to be ranked No. 1 in PNW’s 12s and 14s. After a tough match, Jessica managed to pull off a big upset: she won in straight sets after playing a very inspired and determined tennis. She was concentrated and calm, but on fire during actual play. She also remembered to take notes during changeovers. A crowd gathered to watch this unknown (in 16s) girl producing an upset. It was probably the biggest win in Jessica’s tennis career so far.
 
In the quarterfinal, Jessica played against the No. 6 seed and more people came to see whether she was for real. She proceeded to play an almost flawless tennis in the first set, winning 6:1. The second set proved much tougher when Jessica let up somewhat and found herself down 2:0. She was trailing until she pulled even at 4 all, only to lose her serve in the next game. Then, her opponent was serving for the set. Never before had I seen Jessica as concentrated and confident as she was when she defended a set point and then, proceeded to break her opponent’s serve. She managed to win the second set 7:5. Her concentration and determination played a big role in her to upset wins. I couldn’t believe that I witnessed a breakthrough I had been waiting for since Jessica started playing tournaments 6 years ago. People were coming to me to congratulate on Jessica’s performance. Everyone commented how poised, determined, concentrated and confident she looked on the court. I am a tough guy, but I could hardly keep back my tears.
 
On Sunday morning, Jessica played the No. 1 seed. She continued to play great but she lost after a very even match. The difference was probably the fact that Jessica started playing the match without her customary pre-match hitting, as we had to get up at 5:30 just to make it to the match on time. Jessica’s opponent, on the other hand, hit for an hour before the match (she stayed in a hotel next door to the tournament site). Every game in the first set went to deuce, with Jessica having an ad point in almost every game. Unfortunately, she could not convert any of these points and she lost the first set 0:6. A score of such magnitude usually takes the wind out from beneath her wings but it was not the case this time. Jessica played an even better second set, which was still not enough for her nationally ranked (top 100) opponent, and she lost the set 3:6. Jessica was disappointed with the result; however, I was very proud of the way she played and that seemed to console her. In summary, it was a great weekend and it is unbelievable how much progress Jessica has made in just one month. It is obviously the effect of your program because technically, she could not improve that much.
 
Dr. Valverde, I remember how difficult it was for me in Tucson to decide whether to enroll Jessica in your program and how the decision was made in the last minute when Jessica’s grandparents pledged over the phone their financial contributions. It turns out it was the best decision I ever made regarding Jessica’s tennis. Please accept a big "Thank you".
 
 

Dear Jorge:

I wanted to let you know what a tremendous response I received at the Easter Bowl about Blake's mental toughness. I had several parents and coaches including Brenda Schultz [former WTA top 10] ask me what type of mental training Blake is working on. They were also very curious about him closing his eyes on the changeovers. I told them that the credit goes to Dr. Jorge Valverde who Blake has been working with for over a year. I suspect that you will be receiving some phone calls in the near future. I wanted to pass that on to you and thank you for all your help.

Hello Jorge,

I just wanted to thank you for all the time you have spent with me. I had a great time working with you this past weekend, and I learned so much from you. You are so knowledgeable and I feel blessed to have you as a teacher, mentor, and more than anything... a great friend. You have been awesome for helping me deal with my problems and obstacles. I am a better person because of your wonderful guidance and support, and I wanted to thank you. I will be in touch.