There are a few memories that mark the turning point in one’s life. But how does one carry the intangible yet cherished moments in tangible form? The tattoos are the best alternative to bring life to the favorite moments. Hence, many athletes from various sports have their bodies carved to ingrain a few moments. And so does Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. She may not have a plethora of tattoos adorning her body, like many other players. However, her tattoos have a deep meaning associated with them.

Maneiro shot to the limelight at the Wimbledon Championships this year with a special feat in R1. She defeated the defending champion, Marketa Vondrousova, in straight sets on the opening day of the Center Court. For the unversed, Wimbledon is known for its traditions, and one of them is the defending champions opening the Centre Court. Manerio’s win over the defending champion was the rarest of the first-round feat! It was the first time in 30 years that the women’s defending champion lost in the R1. This win was also a trademark to shush the critics, the theme that marks JBM’s first tattoo.

Her first tattoo, which adorns the inside of her finger, comprises the words, “SHH.” A unique 3 letters, but they have a deep meaning. In her own words, Maneiro said, “When you’re a tennis player, you have a lot of persons who say that you cannot do it, you’re so bad, you don’t have tennis, you don’t have these qualities, your effort is not so good. To these people it’s, like, shut up to them. Of course, not for the good people. It was funny for me as well. I have feelings with this tattoo because I said one time if I do something good — for these people, I will do it.” However, this is not the only tattoo that Maneiro carries.

Another body art has a soul-touching inspiration behind it. “It’s a triskele — a spiral design that’s a symbol of Bouzas Maneiro’s native Galicia,” on the back of her neck embodies her love for her home and her grandmother. Maneiro once detailed the reason behind her 2nd tattoo. She remarked, “My grandma gave me a necklace when I was 12 with this.”

Carrying the support of her family on her shoulders, Maneiro is all set to tackle the next challenge at the US Open 2024!

Can Jessica Bouzas Maneiro oust the seasoned Jessica Pegula at the US Open?

Not many are aware of Maneiro’s name in the circuit. Ranked at World No. 74, she is yet to make a strong name for herself, even though defeating a defending champion at Wimbledon is a feat in itself. Now, another opportunity beckons as Maneiro is all set to lock horns against Jessica Pegula. The Spaniard will face the Canadian Open champion in R3 at the US Open.

Seasoned Pegula would be a tough nut to crack, as she looks forward to claiming the US Open title at home. However, the Flushing Meadows holds great significance for Maneiro as well. It was in the US Open 2023 that the Spaniard earned her first Grand Slam qualification. And now, she is 2nd time lucky, making it to the R3 of the tournament, in hopes of making her way to the title match. But for that, Maneiro needs to fish big in R3.

Though she is just 21 years old, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro has made great strides in the circuit. However, every tennis player has just one dream, to win as many Grand Slams as possible. Can Maneiro make it happen at the US Open 2024?