Giuliana Olmos: From Mexican Star to Doubles Dominance
Giuliana “GuGu” Olmos, a Mexican-born tennis star, has made a name for herself as a formidable doubles player. Her journey began at the age of 11, when she realized her passion for the sport. By 16, she had the honor of representing Mexico in international competitions.
Olmos’ collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC) was marked by her exceptional leadership and sportsmanship. She earned the ITA/Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award and created the Rose Cup, an event that raises funds for breast cancer research. Her coach, Richard Gallien, played a pivotal role in shaping her competitive spirit and instilling in her the importance of enjoying the battle.
Despite her initial struggles in singles, Olmos found success in doubles. In 2019, she partnered with Desirae Krawczyk to win the WTA event in Nottingham. As more ITF tournaments were canceled due to the pandemic, Olmos dedicated herself to doubles. In 2021, she teamed up with Sharon Fichman to achieve notable victories, including a win in Rome and a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open.
Olmos’ doubles ranking soared into the Top 20 by the end of 2021, and she has since cracked the Top 10, peaking at No. 6 in 2023. Her upbeat attitude, sharp groundstrokes, and all-court versatility have also made her an excellent mixed doubles partner. She reached the finals of the US Open in 2021 and Wimbledon in 2023.
In addition to her on-court achievements, Olmos is proud to represent Mexico. She became the first Mexican woman to compete in the Olympic tennis event in 24 years in 2021. Her husband, Reuben Peters, a former USC football player, provides unwavering support and understands the demands of her athletic career.
Off the court, Olmos enjoys exploring different cultures and spending time with her close friend and physical therapist, Natalie Meinhold. Meinhold’s upbeat attitude and constant supply of Haribo candy help Olmos maintain a positive mindset during competitions.
At 31 years old, Olmos has several more years of doubles tournaments ahead of her. However, she is already looking ahead to a future in coaching, ideally at her alma mater, USC. Her passion for the sport and her desire to inspire future generations make her an ideal candidate for this role.