Bernarda Pera Bio
Bernarda Pera is a Croatian-American professional tennis player. Pera has won two singles titles and one doubles title on the WTA Tour, along with nine singles and eight doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. She achieved career-high rankings of world No. 27 in singles on June 12, 2023, and No. 35 in doubles on February 21, 2022. Before March 2013, Pera represented her country of birth, Croatia.
Early Life and Background
Bernarda Pera was born on December 3, 1994, in Zadar, Croatia, to a Croatian-Dalmatian Italian family. She is fluent in both English and Croatian. At the age of 16, her father, a U.S. citizen, moved the family to the United States to support her burgeoning tennis career. They settled in New Jersey, where they had friends and relatives. This transition marked the beginning of her journey in professional tennis.
Path to Tennis
Pera began playing tennis at a young age and showed promise early on. Her family’s move to the United States provided her with better opportunities to train and compete. She turned professional in 2014, marking the official start of her career in tennis. Pera’s early career was characterized by participation in various junior tournaments and local competitions, which helped her gain valuable experience and exposure to the sport.
Bernarda Pera Career
Early Career (2014-2017)
Bernarda Pera made her WTA Tour debut at the 2014 US Open, where she received a wildcard entry into the doubles draw, partnering with Tornado Alicia Black. This initial exposure to the professional circuit set the stage for her future endeavors. Over the next few years, she continued to compete in various tournaments, gradually building her ranking and gaining recognition.
Breakthrough (2018-2021)
Pera’s breakthrough came in 2018 when she made her major singles debut at the Australian Open, entering as a lucky loser after Margarita Gasparyan withdrew. She made headlines by defeating ninth seed Johanna Konta in the second round before being eliminated in the third round. This performance marked a significant milestone in her career. Later that year, she reached her first WTA Tour semifinal at the Guangzhou Open, further solidifying her presence in the sport. In 2021, Pera reached the semifinals of the French Open in doubles, partnering with Magda Linette. This achievement showcased her versatility and skill in both singles and doubles formats.
Notable Works and Milestones
Pera’s signature work includes her impressive run at the 2023 French Open, where she reached the fourth round, defeating several higher-ranked players. This performance propelled her into the top 30 of the world rankings for the first time in her career.
Bernarda Pera Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Bernarda Pera has received several nominations for her performances in various tournaments, reflecting her growing stature in the tennis world.
Bernarda Pera Awards Won
Bernarda Pera has won multiple titles, including two singles titles and one doubles title on the WTA Tour. Her achievements on the ITF Circuit include nine singles titles and eight doubles titles, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Bernarda Pera Family
Bernarda Pera is currently in a relationship with Croatian basketball player Kristijan Krajina. They have been together since 2018, providing a supportive partnership as she navigates her professional career.
Personal Life
Pera maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on her tennis career. Her relationship with Kristijan Krajina is a significant aspect of her life outside of the sport. As she continues to compete at high levels, her personal life remains a source of support and motivation.