Tennis

Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, recently shared her candid thoughts on her career and the pressures of being a top-ranked tennis player in an interview with fellow player Caroline Garcia on the Tennis Insider Club podcast.Stephens, who has been open about the challenges she has faced throughout her career, spoke about the unrealistic expectations that are often placed on athletes. She emphasized that not everyone can be the best in the world and that it's important to recognize and appreciate one's own strengths and limitations."There's nothing wrong with not being Novak [Djokovic]," Stephens said. "Everyone can't be No. 1 in the world. I think Iga [Swiatek]'s great, she's No. 1 in the world, but I do not want that job. There are certain people who thrive in that, but that's what makes our sport so unique."Stephens, who emerged as a teen phenom in 2011, has had a successful career, reaching the third round of the US Open as a wild card that year and stunning Serena Williams to make her first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2013 Australian Open. She overcame a prolonged foot injury to win her maiden major title over fellow American Madison Keys.However, Stephens has struggled for consistency in recent years, citing injuries and burnout. Despite these challenges, the 31-year-old American remains motivated to continue her career, noting that the unpredictable nature of the tour could still yield her another big result."This is a good job to stay at!" Stephens joked. "Obviously, it is a lot of travel and it's very hectic and it's hard, and it's stressful. There's a lot of adversity happening every single week that nobody ever sees. But what job is going to pay you to put on your tennis dress and play a match on live TV?"Stephens emphasized the importance of finding ways to make the demanding schedule of a professional tennis player more enjoyable. She shared that she has been making an effort to explore new places and experiences, which has helped her stay motivated and excited about her career."This year, I've wanted to go to new places and see new things, and do new stuff," Stephens said. "So, this year, I said, 'I want to make it Asia so I can see the Great Wall.' And I feel like that's helped me more, to have something to look forward to. If you were at a regular desk job for 12 years, you would think it's terrible. For tennis players, yes, we're so lucky and fortunate to be able to travel and do all these amazing things, but it's literally the same tournaments, the same cities. You've got to make it fun and keep it exciting."

Caroline Garcia, the former world No. 4 tennis player, and her partner Borja Duran have announced their engagement. The couple shared photos of their happy moment on social media, sparking congratulations from fellow players and fans.Garcia and Duran have been dating since last year and have since launched a podcast together called Tennis Insider Club. The podcast combines Garcia's on-court experience with Duran's off-court perspective, providing listeners with a unique insight into the world of professional tennis.Garcia has spoken about the positive impact that Duran has had on her career, particularly during a challenging period last year. She credits him with helping her navigate the behind-the-scenes aspects of the sport and providing a different perspective.The couple's podcast has been well-received, with Garcia noting that it has been a rewarding experience to share her knowledge and connect with fans in a different way. She also values the opportunity to create memories with Duran outside of the tennis court.Garcia is currently preparing for the upcoming WTA grass-court swing, including Wimbledon, where she has twice reached the fourth round. Despite dealing with a shoulder injury during Roland Garros, she remains optimistic about her chances on the grass.The engagement announcement has been met with an outpouring of support from the tennis community, with many players taking to social media to congratulate the couple. Daria Saville, Lucas Pouille, and Alizé Cornet, who has also been a guest on Tennis Insider Club, were among those who expressed their well wishes.

Caroline Garcia, the former world No. 4 tennis player, has embarked on a new journey as the host of the Tennis Insider Club podcast. Launched in February with co-host Borja Durán, the podcast aims to provide a platform for players, coaches, and athletes to share their experiences and insights.Garcia, known for her candor in interviews, was inspired to create the podcast during a challenging period in her career. She recognized the need for a safe space where athletes could openly discuss their struggles and triumphs.The podcast's unique English-language format, with Garcia and Durán's distinct perspectives, creates a comfortable atmosphere for guests. Garcia's experience on the tour allows her to relate to players' experiences, while Durán's off-court perspective provides a fresh viewpoint.Garcia has already hosted notable guests such as Ons Jabeur, Andrey Rublev, and Patrick Mouratoglou. She has also conducted the first longform interview with Alizé Cornet after her retirement announcement.The podcast has gained traction, with episodes garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Garcia attributes its success to the combination of her on-court experience and Durán's off-court insights.Garcia's passion for the podcast is evident in her enthusiasm for promoting it on social media and monitoring its analytics. She is grateful for the support from fans and the WTA, which has helped spread the word.Garcia's journey as a podcaster has reminded her of the importance of remembering her roots and appreciating the achievements she has made. She hopes to inspire young players and share her love for the sport through the Tennis Insider Club.

Andrey Rublev's recent victory at the Madrid Open marked a significant turning point in his career, as he overcame a string of losses and physical ailments to claim his second ATP Masters 1000 title. However, the Russian star acknowledges that maintaining the mental composure necessary to consistently perform at his best remains a work in progress.In an interview on the Tennis Insider Club podcast, Rublev discussed the challenges of managing his emotions on the court. He explained that his aggressive playing style requires intense focus and energy, which can be difficult to sustain when he feels mentally drained."When I feel like today is not my day, then I'm getting too tight and I start to push the ball," Rublev said. "There is no middle. I start to play too passive sometimes without hitting at all."Rublev's struggles with emotional regulation have been evident in his recent performances. After his Madrid triumph, he lost four of his next five matches, including a disappointing first-round exit in Barcelona. However, he believes that his mental fortitude is not the primary obstacle to his success."I wouldn't say mental (is my biggest challenge) but to put emotions in the right way," Rublev explained. "Because the mental part? I would say I don't give up, I try to fight, it doesn't matter who I play."Rublev's determination was on full display in Madrid, where he battled through physical discomfort and illness to reach the final. He credits the support of the medical staff in Madrid for helping him overcome these challenges."I'm grateful to the doctors in Madrid," Rublev said. "They helped me a lot. I had a problem with my toe, and then I had a problem with my throat. They helped me to recover and to play."As Rublev prepares for the upcoming Internazionali BNL d'Italia, he remains focused on finding the right balance between his emotions and his performance. He believes that harnessing his emotions in a positive way will allow him to reach even greater heights in the sport."Those little moments when I was putting them in the right direction, it was amazing," Rublev said. "You feel like you're just playing amazing and everything is working."