Dominican tennis players Julianny de la Cruz and Ana Zamburek advanced to the second round of the women’s singles draw at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 on Friday.
Julianny de la Cruz Secures First Major Games Victory
Fifteen-year-old Julianny de la Cruz overcame early deficits in both sets to secure her first victory at the Central American and Caribbean Games. De la Cruz trailed 1-3 and 3-5 in the first set before closing it 7-5. After falling behind 0-2 in the second set, she rallied to win 6-3.
De la Cruz attributed the win to a shift in mental approach and confidence. “This victory means a lot to me because it was my first in a stage as big as this at 15 years old,” De la Cruz stated after the match.
Ana Zamburek Dominates Opening Round
Veteran player Ana Zamburek delivered a decisive performance in her debut match. Zamburek controlled the pace against Gabrielle Leslie of Barbados, winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. The victory ensures Zamburek’s progression to the next phase of the tournament.
Tournament Outlook and Schedule
Both Dominican athletes are scheduled to return to the court on Saturday. Their upcoming matches will determine if they secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the singles tournament. The competition continues at the Centro Nacional de Tenis, the primary venue for the tennis events of the Santo Domingo 2026 Games.
Match Results Summary
| Player (DOM) | Opponent | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julianny de la Cruz | María Pérez (CUB) | 7-5, 6-3 | Advanced to Round 2 |
| Ana Zamburek | Gabrielle Leslie (BAR) | 6-3, 6-1 | Advanced to Round 2 |
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