Candid Kiki Bertens lifts lid on the ‘soul-searching’ that threatened her tennis career

Michael Graham 13 Jun 2019 3:17 PM

Kiki Bertens has explained how she has found happiness in her career after years of struggle that even led her to contemplating whether she wanted to play tennis.

Bertens has had a mixed time of it lately, winning the Madrid Open to cement her spot in the world’s top ten before having to pull out of the French Open with illness.

However, speaking to Dutch newspaper Holland Herald, she has candidly lifted the lid on her battles with expectations and ambition – and how she has overcome it.

“I know now that even when I’m feeling low, there will always be a brighter day,” Bertens said.

“I’m also better at putting disappointments into perspective. Losing still sucks, but I’m healthy and happy, and that’s what matters most.”

“Every training session and competition was a struggle. So, I had to ask myself some difficult questions. What do I want from my career? Do I even want to carry on?

“I was used to doing things for other people, pleasing everyone but myself, so it was good for me to do this soul-searching.

“The way I feel now, and with the current competition, anything is possible. And I still love the game. When I’m on the court and all the elements are working for me, it’s just magic.”

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