Israel’s top tennis talent Shahar Pe’er strutted her stuff recently in Toronto with a strong showing at the Rogers Cup event.
Adoring crowds cheered ‘Kadima, Shahar’ for the 22-year-old, who made it to the third round of the $2 million (US) tournament, before falling to eventual champion, Elena Dementieva of Russia.
Pe’er took out Monica Niculescu of Romania 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 in the first round and dominated Italy’s Francesca Schiavone 7-6, 6-4 in round two.
Her third-round match against Dementieva was on centre court and broadcast nation-wide. Pe’er made the Russian battle for three sets and almost three hours to earn the victory.
Pe’er is highly regarded on the tour for being stellar at the baseline on both her forehand and backhand sides. She is also quite speedy and sports excellent footwork on the court.
Playing since the age of six, Pe’er has been ranked as high as number 15 in the world and has made it to the quarterfinals of both the US Open and Australian Open. She is currently ranked number 63 in the world.