Submitted photo Vicky Flores of Fort Dodge stands next to tennis icon Roger Federer during her Wimbledon trip in London, England.

Vicky Flores tried to keep her emotions in check during her first-ever Wimbledon experience.

She succeeded, but in the process, may have lost too much of her competitive edge.

It was a learning experience in London for Flores, who advanced out of the junior qualifying round and into the main draw at the All England Tennis Club last week. The Fort Dodge native and Georgia Tech University recruit was close in both opening matches, falling 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 on the singles side and dropping a three-set decision in the doubles bracket.

”I tried not to over-hype it or get too caught up in the moment,” said Flores, who is now ranked 46th among female junior tennis players in the world. ”And (in retrospect), maybe I was too calm. I lost my sense of urgency a little. I probably should have been more excited and energized, especially because I appreciated all of the love and support from family and friends who are in my corner.

”I tried my best. I didn’t play great tennis — not nearly as well as I’m capable of — but I’m a better and wiser person because of it.”

The 18-year-old Flores called the facility ”really beautiful” and said her first visit to London was ”kind of surreal.” Flores even met and had a quick photo opportunity with men’s champion and tennis icon Roger Federer.

”We got there the day before the tournament started, and I had two days to prepare before my (singles) match,” Flores said. ”It’s obviously one of the most gorgeous tennis facilities in the world. It takes a while just to get settled in and used to the idea that you’re playing at Wimbledon.”

Flores was edged by Maja Chwalinska of Poland in singles action. Chwalinska, who is rated 70th in the female junior circuit and 580th among all women’s players in the world, reached the third round before bowing out.

In doubles competition, Flores and Fernanda Labrana of Chile suffered a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 setback to eventual quarterfinalists Violet Apisah of Papua New Guinea and Astrid Wanja Brune Olsen of Norway.

Flores’ national ranking has secured a spot in the main junior draw for the upcoming U.S. Open. Before heading to Flushing, N.Y. in September, she’ll continue her busy slate with tournaments in Fort Worth and San Diego, before reporting to Georgia Tech in Atlanta for her freshman season. Classes start there on Aug. 21.

For the time being, though, Flores is enjoying a week of ”much needed” rest and relaxation in Fort Dodge.

”People always ask me, ‘why do you go back and what’s there to do in Iowa?”’ said Flores, the daughter of Manny and Mary Ann Flores who attended Feelhaver Elementary and Fair Oaks Middle School. ”I love it here, though. It’s a calm and peaceful place for me — kind of my spot to get away from everything and relax.

”I’ve traveled a ton in the last nine months; more than I have in my entire life, especially to other countries (to compete). That’s new to me. But if I’m not traveling, I’m in Fort Dodge. And I’m always happy to be home.”