Bernarda Pera: Rising Tennis Star at 28 – Age, Early Life, and Career Highlights
Bernarda Pera, born on December 3, 1994, in Zadar, Croatia, is a 28-year-old professional tennis player who has steadily built a reputation in the competitive world of women’s tennis. Known for her powerful strokes and determination on the court, Pera has represented herself as a formidable force among her peers.1
Table of Contents
Early Life and Family Support
Growing up in Zadar, Bernarda Pera showed an early interest in tennis, inspired by the success of prominent Croatian athletes. Her parents, Valter and Lidija, recognized her talent and provided encouragement and support.
Having two siblings, Ana and Andrea, meant that Bernarda was accustomed to a supportive family dynamic. Her family valued sports and pushed her to excel, which gave her a solid foundation and helped her build the resilience necessary to face the challenges of a competitive sports career.
The Journey to Professional Tennis
- Pera’s journey began in Croatia, where she initially trained and competed in regional tournaments. As she grew more skilled, she gained opportunities to participate in various junior competitions across Europe, where her dedication and skills began to stand out.
- At a young age, Pera moved to the United States with her family, which opened up further opportunities for her tennis career.
- Living in a tennis-friendly environment allowed her to train with established coaches and gain exposure to a higher level of competition.
- Her family’s support during this period was instrumental in her growth, allowing her to dedicate herself fully to the sport and overcome the cultural and logistical challenges of her new home.
Training in Zagreb and Developing Her Skills
Returning to Croatia to continue her tennis training, Pera began working with top trainers in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, known for its advanced tennis facilities. Training in Zagreb allowed her to refine her skills, focusing on aspects such as footwork, agility, and court strategy.2
Her time in Zagreb brought an added edge to her gameplay, with training sessions centered on perfecting her backhand and enhancing her speed across the court. This intensive training period was pivotal in her rise as a professional tennis player and prepared her for the rigors of international tournaments.
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Early Beginnings and Passion for Tennis
From a young age, Pera displayed a strong affinity for tennis. Growing up in Croatia, she trained rigorously, honing her skills and shaping her game under the mentorship of coaches who recognized her potential.
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Her journey was also supported by her family, who encouraged her to pursue her passion. Relocating to the United States as a teenager, Pera continued her training in New Jersey, where she took her game to new levels.
WTA Tour Debut: Making a Mark at the 2014 US Open
Pera’s debut on the WTA Tour came in 2014 at the US Open, a highly anticipated moment that introduced her to the world of professional tennis. She entered the doubles draw as a wildcard, partnered with Tornado Alicia Black, an up-and-coming player in her own right.3
While this pairing marked her first appearance on a grand stage, it was also a learning experience. Playing at the US Open provided her with firsthand experience of the level of competition, rigor, and focus required to excel in major tournaments. Though she and Black didn’t progress far, the exposure and lessons she gained were invaluable in shaping her future.
Breaking into Singles: A Lucky Opportunity at the Australian Open
Pera’s journey in singles competition saw an exciting development when she made her major singles debut at the Australian Open. As a “lucky loser”—a player who gains entry to the main draw after being initially eliminated in qualifying—Pera found herself thrust into the spotlight due to Margarita Gasparyan’s unexpected withdrawal from the tournament.
This opportunity allowed her to compete with elite players on an individual level, which was crucial in building her confidence and competitive skills. Pera’s entry as a lucky loser set the stage for more rigorous match experiences and contributed to her rise within the rankings.
Overcoming Early Career Challenges
Entering the WTA Tour was no small feat, especially in a field dominated by highly ranked, seasoned players. Pera’s early career was marked by challenges in securing consistent wins and accumulating ranking points, which are essential to advancing within the tour’s structure.
Adjusting to the demands of international travel, intense training, and mental toughness proved crucial. Despite these obstacles, Pera remained committed to her goal, viewing each match as a stepping stone to greater achievements. Her ability to learn from her defeats and continuously refine her game became defining characteristics of her approach to tennis.
Bernarda Pera’s Net Worth and Earnings: A Financial Breakdown of Her Tennis Career
Bernarda Pera’s journey in professional tennis has not only established her as a competitive player but has also contributed to her financial success. As of 2024, Pera’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million.
This wealth stems largely from her achievements on the WTA Tour, where her consistent performances and determination have earned her significant prize money and other income opportunities.
Prize Money as the Primary Source of Income
Prize money is a crucial revenue stream for professional tennis players, and Pera is no exception. Her career earnings have steadily grown with each season, reflecting her improvement on the tour and her ability to compete with top-tier athletes. Pera’s total prize money earnings now exceed $3 million, a figure that represents both her skill and commitment to the sport.
Had so much fun at the shooting today. pic.twitter.com/zkPxqWruHE
— Bernarda Pera (@bernarda_pera) September 18, 2013
In 2023, Pera earned an impressive $3,012,990 in prize money, a breakthrough figure that placed her at No. 59 in global earnings for the year. This marked a significant milestone, as she achieved her best financial year in tennis to date, owing to deeper runs in tournaments and victories over higher-ranked players.
Sponsorships and Endorsements: Building Income Beyond the Court
With her rising profile, Pera has also attracted sponsorships and endorsement deals, which are becoming an important addition to her income. These partnerships not only boost her earnings but also reflect her marketability and appeal as a professional athlete.
Although exact figures for her endorsement earnings are not widely disclosed, it’s common for players of her ranking and profile to secure deals with well-known sports and lifestyle brands, providing an additional stream of income that complements her tournament winnings.
Lifestyle and Investments: Strategic Financial Planning
Pera’s substantial net worth is indicative of her financial planning and strategic investments. While specific details about her investments remain private, athletes in her income bracket often focus on diversified portfolios that include real estate, stocks, and potentially even businesses outside of tennis.
This approach helps athletes build financial security beyond their active playing years and ensures long-term financial stability.
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Bernarda Pera and Kristijan Krajina: A Relationship Rooted in Shared Passion and Support
Bernarda Pera, known for her fierce competitive spirit on the tennis court, also has a personal life filled with love and companionship, thanks to her long-term relationship with Kristijan Krajina. A Croatian-born professional basketball player, Krajina has been a constant presence in Pera’s life since 2018.
While balancing the demanding schedules that come with being professional athletes, Pera and Krajina have developed a relationship marked by mutual support, understanding, and a shared commitment to their sports.
Early Beginnings: A Relationship Built on Shared Roots and Values
The relationship between Pera and Krajina began in 2018, seemingly under the radar, until Pera gradually started sharing moments of their life together on social media. Both originally from Croatia, Pera and Krajina share a cultural bond that has likely been a foundation of their relationship.
Their shared background provides them with common ground and allows them to navigate their individual sports careers while maintaining a strong connection.
Kristijan Krajina: An Overview of His Career in Basketball
Kristijan Krajina has built a reputable career as a basketball player in various European leagues, and his professional journey complements Pera’s tennis achievements. Standing tall at 6’10”, Krajina’s physical presence on the court is as impressive as Pera’s on the tennis court.
His career, which includes playing for teams in countries like Lithuania, Poland, and Romania, has enabled him to gain a wealth of experience in competitive European basketball.
Navigating Long-Distance Challenges Together
One of the defining aspects of Pera and Krajina’s relationship has been their ability to manage the challenges of long-distance. As both Pera and Krajina often travel for tournaments and games, their schedules can keep them apart for weeks, sometimes months.
Despite the physical distance, Pera and Krajina have managed to maintain a strong connection, often reuniting when their schedules align.
Bernarda Pera: Height, Unique Style, and Off-Court Interests
Bernarda Pera, a dynamic figure in the world of professional tennis, stands at 5 feet 9 inches (176 cm). Her height complements her left-handed style of play, which is relatively rare in tennis and offers her a distinct advantage in terms of reach, power, and angles on the court.
As a lefty, Pera can create unique angles and challenging serves that disrupt her opponents’ rhythm, leveraging her height and powerful game to keep rivals on their toes.
How Pera’s Height Influences Her Game
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Pera possesses a height that offers both reach and power, valuable attributes for her competitive playstyle. For a professional tennis player, height can play a significant role in shaping performance, influencing aspects like serve power, reach, and shot-making angles.
Taller players can generate a steeper serve trajectory, which is often advantageous in singles play. Pera’s height allows her to execute a serve with more downward force, adding speed and precision that can be challenging for her opponents to counter.
The Left-Handed Advantage
Left-handed players are a minority in tennis, which provides them with a strategic advantage. For Pera, her left-handedness complements her height by enhancing her ability to hit wide serves and create sharp angles that catch her opponents off guard.
Most players are accustomed to facing right-handed opponents, making Pera’s game style less predictable and more challenging to read. Her lefty forehand and backhand also add variety to her gameplay, giving her a tactical edge, especially when she’s up against right-handed opponents.
A Glimpse into Pera’s Personal Interests
Off the court, Bernarda Pera leads a well-rounded life filled with diverse interests and hobbies. According to the WTA, she is an avid reader, enjoys cycling, and values quality time with family and friends. These hobbies play a significant role in helping her unwind and recharge after intense matches and training sessions.
Reading offers her mental relaxation, enabling her to escape into different worlds and perspectives, which can be a refreshing break from the mental focus required in tennis.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Bernarda Pera, and what is her background?
Ans: Bernarda Pera is an American professional tennis player known for her powerful left-handed play. Born on December 3, 1994, in Zadar, Croatia, she moved to the United States at a young age, where she began her tennis journey. Pera represents the U.S. in professional tournaments.
2. How did Pera start her professional tennis career?
Ans: Pera turned professional in 2009 and gradually made a name for herself in the tennis circuit through ITF events and lower-tier tournaments. She rose to prominence by competing in WTA events, gaining recognition for her tenacity and aggressive playing style.
3. What are some of Bernarda Pera’s career highlights?
Ans: Pera achieved her career-high singles ranking within the WTA Top 50 and has secured several ITF titles. Her notable performances include wins over higher-ranked players and deep runs in WTA tournaments, showcasing her potential against top competition.
4. What is Bernarda Pera’s estimated net worth?
Ans: As of 2024, Pera’s estimated net worth is around $1–$2 million. Her income comes primarily from tournament winnings, sponsorships, and endorsement deals, which have grown alongside her rising profile in the tennis world.
5. Is there any information available about Pera’s personal life?
Ans: Pera tends to keep her personal life private, focusing on her career and training. She occasionally shares insights about her travels and life on the tour through social media but remains dedicated to her sport and her goals in professional tennis.
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