TaylorTownsend
Falling in love with the game
I started playing when I was four. My older sister started before me, and everything she did, I wanted to do too. She played right handed, so when I started tennis, I picked the racket up like her, in my right hand. I played right handed for about a year. My coach thought something was wrong with me because whenever I moved back or sideways I fell over. So he switched me to lefty, and needless to say that problem lessened.
Ever since then, I’ve not put the racket down, and what was once a dream of being a professional tennis player, quickly came to fruition, and I’m so thankful for that. I’ve always loved the game.
My main motivation for playing is the love of the game and what opportunities it has and continues to provide me.
I feel like my motivation in life carries over into the sport. They mirror each other. I try to be the best version of myself I can be, both on and off court. I’m working to please myself and no-one else.
I’ve met so many amazing people, and created relationships with people I’d have never been able to meet if I wasn’t playing. I really enjoy and appreciate that.
My best so far
One of the biggest moments in my pro career was making the third round of the French Open. That was the first main draw Grand Slam I’d ever played. It was such a surreal moment.
My main motivation for playing is the love of the game and what opportunities it has and continues to provide me.
Player Stats
I feel like my motivation in life carries over into the sport. They mirror each other. I try to be the best version of myself I can be, both on and off court. I’m working to please myself and no-one else.
Day in. Day out.
Wake up, walk my dog, then it’s gym, breakfast, practise, lunch, practise, gym, dinner. Repeat. (In a nutshell)
My pro tip
My best tip would be to have fun and always keep good people around you. That goes for both sport and life.
“Forget about trying, because if you’re trying, then losing is still an option.” I don’t really know why I like it so much, but that quote really resinated with me, so I keep it in the forefront of my mind.
It’s about that balance between the physical and mental. I feel like all the best athletes have found what works for them to maximise both components. The awesome thing about it though is that it’s ever changing. You can always improve and find ways to make yourself better in both areas.
Having someone to look up to and learn from is really helpful too. For me, that was always Martina Navratilova. She was such a great competitor and was so far beyond talented. I really respect what she did in her career.
For me personally, a good match is one where I maintain my focus and game plan for the whole match. I feel like as momentum changes and emotions go up and down, it’s easy to lose focus on what you’re trying to do. When I can zone all that out and just deal with the task at hand, that’s when I’m really happy with myself.
My greatest challenge has been consistency. I just have had to hold myself more accountable for my actions, and I realise that they all directly impact me; no matter how big or small. Changing my outlook on certain things has helped me make better choices.
We all have tough days, but I just try to keep a good perspective on it and say “it’s just one match or practice”. It’s crazy to think that every day is going to be a great day, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t work for it to be. I just try to be nice to myself and know that I’m not perfect.
Staying grounded
I understand that travel’s a part of the job, so I just do what I have to do. I feel like I’m pretty grounded when I travel.
Away from the court, I honestly don’t really watch sports that much outside of tennis. When I’m not playing, I do a lot of outdoors stuff with my dog, and just enjoy the little time I have when I’m not on the road.
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