Johanna Konta surprised the British fans after announcing on Wednesday that she had retired from professional tennis. The former world number 4 has been struggling with many injuries later (knee and groin), and she was clearly struggling to get back to her best form.
In a conversation with WTA Insider, the former British no.1 commented:
“This has not been a decision that has been made in the last half an hour and it’s not something even that’s been made in the last two months. This is something that took some time to get to. I wanted to give it time to see if this is actually what I want to do or if it’s just a tough period.
There are so many times in your career where you could very easily be like, Nope, not having any of this anymore.”
How she decided to retire
“I wanted to sit with my feelings and emotions and give myself time in coming to the decision.
That process has also given me some peace with it because by no means does my retiring mean that I don’t like the sport anymore or that I can’t see myself playing anymore. Even sitting here, I miss playing. I miss that life because it’s the only life I’ve known since I have memory.
So it’s interesting detangling yourself from something that you’ve just been attached to for so long.”
What’s next?
Finally, Johanna talked about the future. She added:
“So I am literally in a situation where I have to reinvent myself or re-find myself in the world, in life, in my life, with purpose and interests and ability. It’s a very daunting and scary thing, but it just feels right.
Because when I think, OK, I’m going to get back out there, even when I miss it and think to start again, I’m like … no.”
Johanna Konta in 2021
Ranked world no.113, Konta played her last match on the 17th of August when she capitulated to world no.32 Karolina Muchova 3-6 7-6(5) 6-2 in the 1st round in Cincinnati (draw).
This season Johanna owns a 10-8 win-loss record. Konta clinched 1 title in Nottingham.
Johanna Konta |
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