God. There's nothing quite like the emotional rollercoaster of dating another athlete. When your worlds collide—especially during crucial career moments—it's absolute chaos.
I've been in a daze these past few weeks, and I'm finally ready to admit why my clay court season went to hell. While I was trying to focus on my own game, my boyfriend Ben White was going through his own professional nightmare—waiting to hear if he'd make the Lions squad for Australia. And let me tell you, watching someone you love go through that uncertainty is brutal.
The Day Everything Fell Apart
May 8th. I'll never forget it. There we were, glued to teh TV at the O2 Arena announcement, hearts pounding, as Ben waited to hear his name called for what would've been the pinnacle of his rugby career. The atmosphere in our flat was suffocating.
When the final name was announced and it wasn't his, I felt physically ill. Ben just sat there, completely still. I didn't know what to say.
What makes it worse? They don't even have the decency to tell these guys beforehand! No phone call, no heads-up, nothing. Just public humiliation on national television. How is that still acceptable in 2025?
When Your Partner's Pain Becomes Your Own
I lost three out of four matches after that. Couldn't focus. Couldn't find my rhythm. My last defeat was embarrassingly one-sided against world No.201 Mai Hontama. I'm ranked 169th, for context.
Tennis requires complete mental presence. When half your brain is worrying about someone else's shattered dreams... well, you've seen my results.
Ben's handled it better than I would have. He's already refocused on Scotland's summer tour against the Maori All Blacks, Fiji and Samoa. Meanwhile, I'm still carrying his disappointment around like an extra racquet bag.
Professional Athletes + Relationships = Complete Carnage
We've been together since 2019, and usually we're pretty good at separating our professional lives. But this one hit different.
"Professional sport is so emotional, up-and-down, and when you put two together, it's carnage," I told a reporter yesterday who asked about my recent form. Probably the most honest thing I've said in an interview all year.
The not knowing was the worst part. Now that the decision's been made, we can both move forward. No more distractions!
I actually laughed when I said that last bit. As if life works that way.
My Own Ankle Nightmare
Speaking of distractions... my phone just reminded me that exactly one year ago, I was sitting on my couch with my foot in a boot and on crutches after a "near full rupture" of one of my ankle ligaments. It happened during my final practice before what should have been my first French Open.
I was chasing down one of Katie Boulter's drop shots. Heard a pop. Knew immediately.
Ben was amazing during that recovery. Carried me around our flat for weeks. Made me laugh when I wanted to cry. Reminded me daily that I'd be back.
Now I'm returning the favor.
Collins in Round One? Bring It.
So here I am, finally making my Roland Garros main draw debut against Danielle Collins. Not exactly an easy opener.
Had a practice with Emma Raducanu yesterday and when she hit a drop shot to my right corner, I just watched it bounce. Not risking another ankle disaster before my first French Open match!
I've slipped to British No.7 during my injury layoff. That stings. But I'm just grateful to be here competing instead of watching from home.
Sometimes you need a reminder of how quickly it can all disappear.
Ben's coming to watch my first-round match. We're both fighters. We'll both be fine.
And who knows? Maybe I'll channel all this emotional turmoil into the best tennis of my life. Stranger things have happened on the red clay of Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments?
The four Grand Slams (also known as Majors) are the most prestigious professional tennis tournaments. These include the Australian Open (held in January), the French Open (held in May and June), Wimbledon (held in June and Jul), and the US Open (held in August and Septembre). These tournaments have a rich history and are known for the high level of competition. They also offer significant prize money, ranking points, and a great deal of prestige. Grand Slams are considered to be one of the most prestigious achievements in tennis.
What are the roots of tennis in history?
The origins of tennis can be traced back to the 12th century France. In monastery courtyards, monks would use their hands in a sport called jeu de pâume to hit the ball. Over time, rackets were introduced, and the game evolved into what we recognize today as tennis. By the 16th century, the game became popular among the European nobility. Tennis has been undergoing many changes since its conception, including the development and introduction of standard rules.
What is the uniqueness of tennis' scoring system?
Tennis' scoring system is unique and adds to its appeal. The matches are split into sets and games. To win a set, players must win six games with a margin of at least two points. Scores are scored in games from love (0), to fifteen, thirty and forty before the game is won. When players reach deuce, (tied at 40), they need to win by 2 consecutive points. This system creates a thrilling element of unpredictability and tension, often leading to dramatic shifts in momentum.
What are some of the most important components to tennis etiquette.
Tennis etiquette reflects sportsmanship and respect. The players are expected to be honest in their decisions, refrain from distractions when serving, stay silent during rallies and give a warm handshake after the match. Audiences also participate in this etiquette by remaining quiet during match play and applauding good shots from both competitors. These unwritten rules help maintain the integrity of tennis as well as its gentlemanly tradition.
How has tennis evolved over the years?
Tennis equipment has evolved significantly since the beginning of the sport. The original rackets used animal intestines for the string. In the past, new materials such as graphite and titanium have been introduced to make rackets stronger and lighter. Balls have also evolved, moving from hand-sewn rubber to manufactured pressurized balls that provide consistent bounce and flight. The evolution of the game has resulted in a more dynamic, athletic play.
Statistics
- The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governs over 200 nations, indicating the sport's vast international governance structure and participation rate.
- Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is often credited with pioneering the rules of modern tennis in 1873, and his version of the game was patented under the name "Sphairistikè."
- The global tennis equipment market reached an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity.
- Lawn tennis, which evolved into the game we know today, adapted its point system from the jeu de paume, with theories suggesting its increments represent the face of a clock.
- The four Grand Slam tournaments collectively attract over 3.5 million spectators in person, highlighting tennis's enduring appeal.
External Links
How To
Tennis History: How to Research it
Explore key historical periods to learn more about the history of Tennis, starting with its origins in France as "real tennis", dating back to 12th century. Then move on to its modern incarnation as lawn tennis. Reference materials can be found in libraries, online databases, and archives of sporting organizations. The codification of the rules by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield, and the creation of prestigious tournaments such as Wimbledon are notable milestones. Tennis history resources and books are available at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
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