It really doesn’t matter who’s across the net from 18-year-old Eleanor Peters. Like a talented, but scatter-armed baseball pitcher, her stuff is tough to control but nearly unhittable.
Even when the Washingtonian steps up a notch in competition — as she did Wednesday in the FNMC National City Tennis Classic — the match is on her racquet. Her only opponent, it seems, is herself.
The 5-foot-11 left-hander’s impressive talent, as well as her frustrating inconsistency, were on display Wednesday at the Tennis Center at College Park as she lost 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 to Tatiana Panova of Russia in the opening round of the FNMC.
The eighth-seeded Panova advanced to the Round of 16 where she will play American Carly Gullickson today. Play continues through Sunday in College Park in the International Tennis Federation event.
It was the second straight first-round exit for Peters, a recent graduate of Georgetown Visitation who is bound for the University of Maryland. But Peters acquitted herself well, rallying from a disastrous first set in which she double-faulted four times and made 23 unforced errors in the 26 points she dropped.
“I was just giving it away,” said Peters. “I depend a lot on my forehand and it just wasn’t there. Second set, I refocused and got it back together, along with my serve.”
Peters was a different player in the second set. After ripping an ace to win the first game, she broke Panova’s next three service games to take control of the match.
The final set stayed on serve through the fourth game. But in the fifth, Peters suddenly lost her serve, double faulting three times and dropping the game. In the final three games, Peters won just four points.
“My serve has been so inconsistent lately,” said Peters. “When I lose it, it really goes. And my confidence goes with it.”
Panova was impressed with Peters’ ability, but said she needs more mental toughness.
“She’s so young, I knew if I kept the ball in, she would make mistakes,” said Panova, 29. “She needs more inside. She has talent. If she gets focused, she can be really good.”
Extra Points
» Peters is ranked No. 4 in the nation among girls 18-and-under. She formerly was ranked No. 1 in the girls 16s.
» Peters turned 18 last week.
Panova’s highest rank was No. 20. She currently is ranked No. 180.
