Katia is supposed to be a top prospect. But I disagree with Rick Macci's strategy of keeping her out of the juniors. If Nick Bollettieri had decided to keep Maria Sharapova out of the juniors, he would have been heavily criticised. In my opinion, Katia needs all the experiences she can get. Including junior tennis. Katia is not now and never will be physically overwhelming, in terms of great size and great power, the way the Williams sisters are. So, it doesn't make sense to me to hold her out of the juniors. Does it? I still hope Katia becomes a fine player! But with her not playing the juniors, it makes her fulfilling her potential less likely than if she had played a full junior schedule. Right?
P.S. - Happy Thanksgiving!