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.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Padel set to explode in the UK after endorsements from the likes of Jurgen Klopp and John Terry
Mats Wilander and John McEnroe give their verdicts on Rafael Nadal’s latest French Open win
Best of the Brits in the doubles at Wimbledon: Jamie Murray, Heather Watson and possibly Andy Murray
Wimbledon 2019: Five young stars who could shine at the All England Club
Tennis365’s Legends of Roland Garros number one: Rafael Nadal
Britain were handed the nightmare trip after failing to qualify for the quarter-finals last year.
Casper Ruud believes he can win on any surface.
Elina Svitolina has begged Wimbledon to maintain the ban.
ESPN have released their viewing figures for the Australian Open final and they suggest just 439,000 viewers watched in America.
Felix Auger-Aliassime has been backed to make his Grand Slam breakthrough in 2023.
Serena Williams says that we are all human and make mistakes in the heat of the moment.
Nick Kyrgios saw the common assault charge against him dismissed.
Matches will be played at an altitude of 2,600 metres and with pressureless balls.
Heather Watson will now face Chinese seventh seed Xinyu Wang.
Toni Nadal on why Novak Djokovic has so many detractors.