Commitment Profile
Makarova Joins Blue Devils
by Marcia Frost, 28 January 2014
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Blue Chip senior Christina Makarova searched near and far to find a school that was the perfect fit for her tennis and academics. In the end, the seventeen-year-old standout decided to sign with Duke University.
Makarova has consistently landed in the top of the rankings throughout her junior career. She is currently No. 5 nationally in the Babolat Class Rankings and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has her as the No. 35 junior in the world.
Tennis is certainly in Christina Makarova's genes. Her mother, Ludmila ("Luda") Makarova played Federation Cup for Russia at a time when it wasn't so easy to travel around the world playing tournaments. Luda Makarova's schedule was based on the wishes of the government of the time, despite the fact that she was the highest-ranked player in the Soviet Union at one time.
The elder Makarova would eventually end up in Canada and worked as Head Pro and Director of Programs at Carre-Four Multisport. It was in Montreal that Christina and sister Natasha were born.
Although she has spent most of her life in San Diego, Christina Makarova holds on to all her roots. She speaks fluent French, Russian and English.
Makarova's background and knowledge of language has made it easy for her to travel around the world playing tournaments. She has had success and been able to play the junior events of all the Grand Slam events. She's also able to travel with her mother.
"I am being coached by my mother, Luda, right now," she said.
Luda Makarova is a Teacher of Competitive Programs at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, where her daughter trains.
It was a great start to 2013 as Makarova swept the Grade 1 Copa Gatorade in Venezuela. It was her first title at that level, though she had made four final appearances in Grade 1. With the singles championship and doubles crown (with Katrine Steffensen) she was built more confidence in her game, but she also pulled a muscle in her arm that hampered her game for a while.
