At just 18 years old, Charo Esquiva, currently ranked 13th in the junior world, has expressed her intention to conclude her time in this category with a significant achievement. The young athlete, associated with the FER Project, is focused on 2026 to reach this ambitious goal.
“"When 2026 concludes, I hope to bid farewell to the junior category within the top 5. I believe I am in a position to achieve it."
Charo Esquiva's career has been marked by ups and downs. In 2023, still a first-year cadet, she reached the round of 16 in two junior Grand Slams, Roland Garros and the US Open, in addition to becoming Spanish cadet champion and winning the ITF Junior 500 in Offenbach (Germany). However, 2024 was less brilliant, with early exits in junior Grand Slams and a bronze medal in doubles at the European Cadet Championship in Parma.
Her recovery came in 2025, when she delivered her best Grand Slam performance, reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open. Shortly after, she earned a silver medal at the European Junior Championship, losing the individual final to Swedish player Nelie Taraba.
“"Looking ahead to 2026, I have several goals. The main one is to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam. I have no preference between Roland Garros, Wimbledon, or the US Open. Any of the three would work for me… But I also want to be Spanish champion and, at the very least, repeat the final in the European Junior Championship. It's my second and last season in this category, and I would like to close it out big, with a really strong result."
In addition to her junior goals, Esquiva also aims to transition to the professional circuit, with the goal of qualifying for and entering the main draw of a WTA 125 event, and breaking into the top 200 of the WTA rankings. With role models like Carlos Alcaraz and Iva Jovic, the tennis player is aware of the need to improve her serve, intensity, and consistency, adopting a more courageous and attacking game in key moments.
