Teenage rise: Tereza Valentova enters top 100 party– Joins Andreeva and Mboko in elite Gen-Z squad
WTA
Tereza Valentova reached her first WTA final this week at the Prague Open, securing a significant rise in the rankings to world No. 91. The teenager is currently the fourth player under 19 years old to break into the top 100, signaling a new generation for Czech tennis.
Born in 2007, Valentova belongs to the same generation as Mirra Andreeva (No. 6) and Victoria Mboko (No. 88). She is also just one spot behind 17-year-old Iva Jovic (No. 90), the youngest in the top 100. Valentova surprised Rebecca Sramkova (No. 34), the second seed, on her path to the final, leveraging her home-court advantage for a ranking boost.
Until recently, she competed in junior tournaments and has rapidly adapted to the professional level. In 2024, she won the French Open junior singles title (defeating compatriot Laura Samson in the final), and also claimed the doubles title with Slovakian Renata Jamrichova.
Valentova is starting to make a name for herself on the WTA Tour, despite only beginning to appear in Challenger tournaments this year. In June, she won her first WTA 125 title at the Citta di Grado Tennis Cup, and a month later, she triumphed at the Porto Open with another title in the same category.
Valentova's mental fortitude: A key to her rise
Her clay-court prowess was already on display in the Roland Garros main draw this year. After successfully navigating the qualifying rounds – defeating local wildcard Chloe Paquet in her debut – Valentova showcased her mental strength. "I learned I can play against myself, against her and against a really, really big crowd at the same time," Valentova said in an interview with the WTA website.
"I was expecting she would have many people cheering for her, but I wasn't expecting that. There were guys from a football team and they were singing everything. When I was going for the towel, one guy was screaming at me from half a meter away. I didn't look at them, not even once. I was really proud of myself for that."
Valentova has been characterized by great mental strength, undoubtedly a key element for entering the top tier. In the second round of Wimbledon qualifying, she had to overcome a crowd fully supporting her opponent, 27-year-old Italian Lucrezia Stefanini, but she managed to turn around a difficult match 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
"I got angry... in a healthy way," she told Czech press. "At her, and at her team. I felt like there were some moments that were completely unnecessary. I needed to calm myself down, and get properly fired up. Balls started landing in, I calmed down, and started playing better."
Read also
Valuable experience: The test against Coco Gauff
She faced Coco Gauff in the second round, putting on an interesting performance, though it wasn't enough to threaten the dominance of the second seed (6-2, 6-4 for Gauff), who went on to win the tournament. Nevertheless, Valentova gained the experience of stepping onto Suzanne Lenglen Court, her first time in such a significant stadium.
"It showed me I can play with the top players, because I don't think I played my best and I was still keeping with her," Valentova said. "A lot of experience I can take to maybe another meeting with her." "In the first match I wasn't even nervous, because I was really confident in myself. That was the first time that ever happened to me."
Coco Gauff had hard-fought against Valentova at French Open second round.
Valentova and the new wave of Czech talent
Tereza Valentova now stands as part of a new generation of Czech tennis players who have seen significant ascent in recent seasons. Central European players have historically produced great players, and currently their most distinguished names include two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, French Open finalist Karolina Muchova, and doubles world No. 1 Katerina Siniakova – all aged between 27 and 29.
However, the Czechs have their succession secured, led by 20-year-old Linda Noskova – currently ranked No. 23. Valentova (18 years old, No. 91) is the newest name on a list that also includes Sara Bejlek (19 years old, No. 11), Linda Fruhvirtova (20 years old, No. 153), Barbora Palicova (21 years old, No. 170), Denisa Salkova (21 years old, No. 181), and Laura Samson (17 years old, No. 322).
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
