👧 Michelle Lopez | Tennis Papers interview, November 2025

“My dream is to become the number 1 junior player in the world.”

Meet Michelle Lopez, Colombian girl junior tennis player who lives in Bogotá, Colombia and competing in Juniors Wheelchair tennis category.
Michelle competes in international ITF Juniors tournaments.

(Information gathered via an exclusive interview by Tennis Papers).

📘 Michelle Lopez | Biography, November 2025

🌆 Bogotá, Colombia 🇨🇴

⛰️ A vibrant capital nestled high in the Andes, full of energy, culture, and diversity.
🎨 Explore the colorful streets of La Candelaria, world-class museums like the Museo del Oro, and lively local markets.
🌤️ With its cool mountain climate and warm-hearted people, Bogotá offers a unique mix of modern life and rich traditions.
💛 A city of creativity, rhythm, and resilience — Bogotá is the cultural heartbeat of Colombia!

🎙️Michelle Lopez | Interview, November 2025

Hello, introduce yourself please.
Hi, I’m Michelle Lopez, I’m 15 years old, I was born on January 17, 2010.
I’m from Santander, but I currently live in Bogotá, Colombia.

What languages ​​do you speak?
I speak Spanish.

At what age did you start playing tennis?
I started playing standing tennis when I was 4 years old, with my dad, on the terrace of my house. Then, at the age of 6, I officially discovered wheelchair tennis thanks to Miguel Bernal and his foundation, Semillas Sin Barreras (Seeds Without Barriers).

Are there other tennis players in your family?
Not professionals, but my siblings, cousins, and especially my dad really enjoy playing tennis as a hobby.

In which club do you train tennis?
I train at the CAR (Centro de alto rendimiento- IDRD), also at the PRD ( Parque recreodeportivo el salitre), and at the Bogotá Tennis League, Salitre branch.

Who are your coaches?
My dad, Juan Carlos Díaz, Felipe Sastre and my physical trainer Alejandro.
They have been my coaches since I was very young.

What is your weekly training routine?
I really like going to the gym before going onto the court, but sometimes I also go in the afternoon. I practice tennis twice a day, in the morning from 9 to 12 pm and in the afternoon from 2 to 4 pm.

As an athlete, what is your greatest strength and what do you need to improve?
Something I’m very happy about is that this year I’ve learned to control my emotions, which has allowed me to improve my performance on the court a lot, but I think I should continue working on it. The same goes for my nerves when I’m winning a match that I considered difficult, but I’m getting there little by little.

What is your junior tennis category and your national tennis ranking?
I am currently number 1 in Colombia in the Junior Girls category.
And I am number 7 in the world in the Junior Girls category.

What has been your greatest achievement?
The Bogotá 2023 Junior Parapan American Games and the most recent ones in Santiago, Chile where I won two silver medals — one in singles and one in mixed doubles.

In which countries have you already played a tournament?
So far I’ve only been to Chile, but I hope that if things go well, I’ll be able to travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and participate in the Junior Masters in the United States.

Do you have any sponsors?
Currently, I don’t, but I’m looking for one.

What is your goal for 2026?
My goals are to continue participating in the junior masters tournaments that will be held next year, to go to more tournaments to improve my ranking, and to gain more experience in each tournament.

What is your tennis dream?
My dream is to become the number 1 junior player in the world and to win one of the four Grand Slams. And my dream would be the same when I reach the women’s professional circuit.

Who are your favorite tennis players?
The truth is, I don’t have one specific favorite player.

What do you like to do besides tennis?
I really like to draw, listen to music, watch movies, and play with my cat Corbin, hahaha.

To whom would you like to dedicate this interview?
I would like to dedicate it to my siblings who have always been so supportive of me, cheering me on in every tournament, in every victory, and in every defeat.

Thanks a lot Michelle!
Tennis Papers wishes you the best in your tennis life 💜🩷