Between the doubles alleys, athletes pair up to work toward success and coaches experiment with different lineups, probing for the perfect combination.
And those possibilities increased dramatically for UCLA women’s tennis this summer, thanks to the signing of rising junior Jessica Bernales.
Bernales spent her first two seasons at Michigan and went 22-15 (10-5 Big Ten) and 25-17 (15-4) in dual match singles and doubles play, respectively. Throughout both campaigns, she played on the lead doubles court and closed 2026 with a No. 22 doubles ranking alongside Lily Jones.
And on June 17, Bernales and Jones took their doubles partnership to the American Collegiate Player Wildcard Playoffs in Orlando, Florida, as one of four teams selected to compete for a spot in the US Open. The pair lost in the semifinals to Auburn’s DJ Bennett and Ava Esposito 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5).
“It definitely makes us stronger having Jessica in the lineup,” said coach Stella Sampras Webster. “We played against her and her partner when we played at Michigan this year, and I’ve known her for quite a few years through the juniors. She’s a great doubles player, always has been.”
UCLA’s former lead singles player, Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer, who amassed a 61-16 dual match doubles record, graduated last season. With the need to strengthen doubles play following her departure, the addition of Bernales was crucial for the Bruins.
But Bernales brings another attribute to Westwood – championship experience.
The Las Vegas local played in both singles and doubles during Michigan’s Big Ten Tournament title victory over Ohio State on April 26.
She said the experience fortified her resolve to compete.
“I learned to never give up,” Bernales said. “You’re going to face adversity no matter what. So keep fighting for every point, you never know what the outcome is going to be.”
Sampras Webster said Bernales’ experience will be an advantage for the Bruins as they face future tests.
One such test is indoor tennis.
The pacing of the sport changes drastically under indoor conditions. The adjustment can be pronounced for a team like the Bruins because the squad spends much of its season playing and training on the outdoor courts of the Los Angeles Tennis Center.
But Bernales, who spent her first two years in the Midwest, is well-versed in indoor play, said Sampras Webster.
“She knows how to play indoors,” Sampras Webster said. “Having that, and being able to share that experience with the underclassmen, who, (for) some of them, it will be their first time going to the Midwest and playing a lot of indoor tennis. … (She’ll) definitely use her experiences to help the team.”
Sampras Webster added that Bernales is a quiet leader, opting to lead by example rather than be vocal.
Bernales said she built a rapport with many of her new teammates and coaches before signing with UCLA, contributing to her decision. She added that she is looking forward to bringing her repertoire of drop shots and volleys to the Bruin lineup.
But before she mentioned her offensive technique, Bernales mentioned a singular skill she hopes to bring to the blue and gold.
Competing.
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