When Madison Keys lifted the Australian Open trophy in January, securing her first Grand Slam title just weeks before turning 30, her words resonated deeply with many in the tennis world. She spoke about how letting go of the pressure to win a major and appreciating her career achievements helped her finally break through.
For Caroline Garcia, now 31, those words struck a chord. The French star has had an impressive career—rising as high as world No. 4, reaching a Grand Slam singles semi-final, winning two Grand Slam doubles titles, and securing 11 singles trophies, including the prestigious WTA Finals. Yet, for a long time, she struggled to acknowledge her own success.
Learning to Enjoy Her Achievements
In the high-pressure world of professional sports, athletes often struggle to pause and appreciate their victories. Caroline Garcia, like many of her peers, has faced this challenge. For years, she was driven by an insatiable desire to improve, always looking ahead to the next goal. However, she has since realized the importance of celebrating her achievements, both big and small.
Garcia has spoken openly about the need to shift her mindset from relentless perfectionism to gratitude and acknowledgment of her progress. Whether it’s winning a WTA title, overcoming a tough opponent, or simply putting in a solid training session, she now takes time to reflect on her journey and enjoy the moment. This change in perspective has allowed her to stay motivated and perform with a sense of joy rather than pressure.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Balancing the grueling demands of professional tennis with personal life is no easy feat. The travel, training, and competition schedule can be relentless, leaving little time for relaxation. For Garcia, finding harmony between her professional and personal life has become a priority.
She has embraced mindfulness practices, including meditation and yoga, to maintain mental clarity. Spending quality time with family and friends has also played a crucial role in keeping her grounded. Recognizing the importance of rest and recovery, she ensures that she steps away from tennis when needed, allowing herself to recharge physically and mentally.
By setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, Garcia has found that she performs better on the court. Her ability to switch off from the sport when necessary has enhanced her longevity and passion for the game.
Embracing Podcasting: A New Passion
Beyond the world of tennis, Garcia has found a new creative outlet—podcasting. Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing insights about her journey, and discussing topics close to her heart has been a refreshing and exciting experience for her.
Through her podcast, Garcia offers listeners a glimpse into the life of a professional athlete, discussing everything from mental resilience to handling pressure and staying motivated. She also invites guests from different fields, allowing for enriching dialogues that extend beyond the boundaries of sport.
Podcasting has given Garcia a platform to express herself in a way that is different from what fans see on the tennis court. It has allowed her to connect with people on a personal level and inspire others through her experiences.
As Garcia continues her tennis journey, her focus has shifted. Instead of obsessing over rankings and titles, she wants to enjoy her time on court and find balance.
“I tried the hard way for 10-15 years. It brought me great things, but at some point, it stopped working and made me unhappy. Now, I’m finding my own way, and I think I’m on the right path.”
With a fresh perspective, Garcia is embracing the next chapter of her career—on her terms.
