Stephanie Cohen-Aloro

(1983 - )

Stephanie turned professional in 2001 at the age of 18 and is now finding her form on the pro circuit. As of July 8, 2004, the Parisian native was internationally ranked No. 105 in singles (her career high was at No. 61 on October 6, 2003) and No. 108 in doubles. Cohen-Aloro was named to the French Federations Cup team.

A top player on the junior circuit in 1998, Cohen-Aloro missed all of 1999 due to injuries. In 2000, she reached the semifinals in two ITF events; and then in 2001, just before turning pro, Stephanie won two ITF events, a singles title in Bangkok and a doubles title in Madrid. In 2002, Stephanie captured two more ITF events: in Cardiff, Wales, and in her native France. In the French Open, she was eliminated in the first round by Mirjana Lucic of Croatia.

In April, 2003, Stephanie enjoyed her best showing in a WTA tournament. At Estoril, Portugal, she beat Maria Kirilenko in the first round, 6-2, 6-3, then eliminated Spaniard Maria Sanchez Lorenzo, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, before a quarterfinal setback against Magui Serna. At the 2003 French Open, Cohen-Aloro eliminated Argentine Natali Gussoni, 6-1, 7-5, but fell to Patty Schnyder, 3-6, 6-7, in the second round. Stephanie lost the first round of Wimbledon, but made the second round at the US Open. She coasted to a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Alina Jidkova before succumbing to Amelie Mauresmo (at the time ranked No. 6 in the world), 2-6,2-6. Cohen-Aloro's doubles team with Tatiana Perebiynis of the Ukraine was also eliminated in the second round.

In the 2004 Australian Open, Cohen-Aloro played in both the women's singles and doubles competitions. In singles, she lost in the first round to American Amy Frazier, 4-6, 7-5, and 3-6. In doubles with partner Magui Serna of Spain, she lost 3-6 and 3-6. It was Stephanie's first time at the Australian Open.

Cohen-Aloro faced a tough first round draw in the 2004 Roland Garros tournament. She lost to 17th seeded Italian, Francesca Schiavone 6-2, 6-1. Stephanie was optimistic coming in but showed disappointing form on her home-court. Stephanie and partner Jean-Francois Bachelot were also knocked out of the mixed doubles event in the first round. The French player seemed out of sorts in the first round of Wibledon 2004 as well. She was beaten easily by Stephanie Foretz 6-1, 6-3.

Sources: Jews in Sports