👧 Valentina Portela | Tennis Papers interview, September 2025

“I want to be the first Colombian to feel support in every stand in the world.”

Meet Valentina Pórtela Garzón, Colombian girl, talent junior tennis player who lives in Villavicencio, Colombia and competing in U12 tennis category.

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

📘 Valentina Pórtela Garzón | Biography, September 2025

🏠 Residence | Villavicencio, Colombia

🌍 Villavicencio is a vibrant city in central Colombia.
⛰️ Known as the gateway to the Llanos, it’s surrounded by plains and mountains.
🎶 The city celebrates llanero culture with music, dance, and traditions.
🌳 Villavicencio also has natural parks, rivers, and spaces where families can enjoy the outdoors.

🎙️Valentina Pórtela Garzón | Interview, September 2025

Hello, introduce yourself please.
Hello, my name is Valentina Pórtela Garzón. I was born in Villavicencio, the capital of Colombia’s Joropo region. I’m 11 years old.

What languages ​​do you speak?
Spanish

At what age did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was 9. It was a coincidence, really. I just started playing, fell in love, and here I am doing what I love.

Are there other tennis players in your family?
No, I think I was born to be the first tennis player in my family.

In which club do you train tennis?
I practice at the “Club de Tenis Championship”.

Who is your tennis coach?
My coach is Alberto Raches and his family.

What is your weekly training routine?
I train 26 hours a week on and off the court.

What is your best shot and things you need to improve?
My best shot is the forehand but I need to get a best slide on clay court.

What is your junior tennis category and your national tennis ranking?
Well, right now I’m ranked 40th.

What are your best tennis results?
My best result has been showing myself that I’m capable of doing whatever I set my mind to. Discipline, perseverance, and support are the path to the results I’ve achieved. A goal with a long history.

In which countries have you already participated in tennis tournaments?
I’ve only played in Colombia.

What is the first country you dream of playing in?
USA

Do you have any sponsors?
I don’t want my talent to be a representation of any brand. Since I discovered Technifibre Tempo, I feel comfortable and confident. I feel like this racket adapts to my game. We’re one in the same game. Well, right now I’m ranked 40th, but my best result has been showing myself that I’m capable of doing whatever I set my mind to. Discipline, perseverance, and support are the path to the results I’ve achieved. A goal with a long history. I want to be the first Colombian to feel support in every stand in the world, like Luz Dopen. I think it’s feeling the adrenaline rush in my body, standing in a Grand Slam final, looking at the crowd, smiling, clapping, telling my fans, “I’m here for you.” Yes, I love it. It motivates me to see how the players face each challenge and I imagine being there, and obviously, each player has a strength. I like Swiatek, Alcaraz, Shelton, among others, but I definitely identify with the game of Sabalenka and Sinner.

What racket do you play with?
Since I discovered Technifibre Tempo, I feel comfortable and confident. I feel like this racket adapts to my game. We’re one in the same game.

What is your tennis dream?
I want to be the first Colombian to feel support in every stand in the world, like Luz Dopen. I think it’s feeling the adrenaline rush in my body, standing in a Grand Slam final, looking at the crowd, smiling, clapping, telling my fans, “I’m here for you.” Yes, I love it. It motivates me to see how the players face each challenge and I imagine being there, and obviously, each player has a strength.

Who are your favorite tennis players?
I like Swiatek, Alcaraz, Shelton, among others, but I definitely identify with the game of Sabalenka and Sinner.

What do you like to do outside of tennis?
Building Legos.

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

🎾 Valentina Pórtela Garzón | Tennis playing, September 2025

💪 Valentina Pórtela Garzón | Physical training, September 2025