Focused, fearless, and finding her footing: Kaitlin Quevedo’s transition to the pros

Calm, determined, and quietly ambitious, 19-year-old Kaitlin Quevedo entered the Hamburg Ladies & Gents Cup as the tournament’s top seed—and lived up to expectations with an impressive run to the final, finishing as the runner-up after a strong week of tennis.

Born in Naples, Florida, Quevedo’s international background has shaped both her tennis and her perspective. Her mother is US-American, her father hails from Gran Canaria, and two years ago she made the decision to represent Spain—a move that marked a turning point in her young career.

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“Since I was born, I have double nationality," says Quevedo. "Two years ago, I moved to Spain and started to train at TEC Carles Ferrer Salat Academy in Barcelona. When I went there, I got the opportunity by the Federation, and I changed my nationality. At this moment, I was looking for change, and it was great timing.”

Winning the biggest title at home in Gran Canaria

Now ranked World No. 156—with a career high of No. 152 earlier this month—Quevedo has already captured nine ITF World Tennis Tour titles, including her biggest triumph at the ITF W100 DISA Gran Canaria-Maspalomas in August.

“It was incredible,” she recalled. “I never felt such emotions when I won the final. I had confidence when I arrived at the tournament and I really wanted to win it. I went match by match, as you never know what happened. Every day I had a lot of support. My family was there. I really felt like being at home. It was such a good environment, just insane.”

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Returning to Hamburg this week brings back good memories for Quevedo. “I played here last year,” she said with a smile. “I like the club, the courts, the tournament and the organization. It fits my game style well. We knew how everything was and I am excited to be back.”

Her game style—a combination of power, control, and relentless intensity—has become her trademark. “Definitely physical,” she explained. “I am starting to become more aggressive as well. I like to build the point, to play heavy, open the court and to step in. I am working on going more to the net. I feel like I have all the shots and slowly becoming more aggressive as well.”

Challenge to establish on the Pro Circuit

Transitioning from juniors, where she was once world No. 5, to the professional level has not been without its challenges.

“For sure, just getting more experience and playing as many tournaments and matches as possible against the best players,” she said. “With every match I learn something, evolve and keep improving. The good thing is, I keep going up and play bigger tournaments against even better players. They push you more. They show you what you really have to work on.”

The shift from junior to the Pro Circuit came with a steep learning curve. “Everyone wants to win. You don’t play against girls anymore; you start playing against women and tennis is their job. They fight until the very last point. It feels more challenging, as they have more hunger and have more experience. And you are just coming on, they don’t know you. Sometimes I felt uncomfortable at tournaments and settings where I didn’t feel like I belonged. But it slowly became better.”

Despite the pressures of her early success, Quevedo keeps a clear mind and a humble attitude. “When I played Juniors, I still played for the US. Getting into the Top 5 was incredible. I had to fight a lot but slowly you consolidate yourself. For me it was important to get into the Top 5. It opens you to many opportunities.”

Based in Spain

Now based in Barcelona, Quevedo trains full time in Spain but still holds a deep connection to her roots in the Canary Islands. “I am not that often in Gran Canaria, as it is a three-hour flight and it’s not that you go there just over the weekend. I go a few times a year. For sure, for Christmas. When I have time, I really love to go there and spend time with my family and enjoy the food.”

Off the court, she admits that tennis still dominates her life. “To be honest, I just really like tennis,” she laughed. “But I am studying right now about nutrition. Of course, I also like to spend time with my friends and family.”

Role models and the ‘Rafa Moment’

Her inspirations are as diverse as her background. “There is a combination of players I really like. I like the mentality of Rafa Nadal. We watched him a lot and it’s insane to see how he fought for every point. On the girls’ side, I like Iga Swiatek. Some of the younger players like (Mirra) Andreeva and (Joao) Fonseca are also inspiring because I was with them in Juniors and it’s nice to see when they are doing so well. It’s also motivation to do it the same way.”

And yes—she’s already had her Rafa moment. “I took a picture with Rafa, but I didn’t speak to him. I hope to do so one day.”

As for her goals, Quevedo is focused yet idealistic. “I want to finish inside the Top 150 this season. I am almost there. Next year, I will have the chance to play all the Grand Slams, and my dream is to play against the best players and become No. 1.

"But I want to improve every day not only as a tennis player, but also as a person. I would like to raise my voice when I am professional and at the top for things going on around the world. What I find very important is social equality. To deal with poverty and people who are in hunger, especially kids. I think it is important to raise awareness about it. That’s another motivation for me.”