Caroline Garcia announced the end of her 2024 season but also the opportunity to very candidly open up about the struggles she has battling over the last couple of months, including panic and anxiety attacks which make playing the game less enjoyable.
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After rediscovering her best game in 2022 and returning to being one of the best players in the game, the Frenchwoman entered the 2023 season hoping to become a Grand Slam. But her past woes returned and she didn't manage to keep up with the same level last year.
Entering this year, Garcia wanted to bounce back and make some noise. Unfortunately, it was all but a big comeback year after the 30-year-old posted just a 17-16 record and struggled with inconsistency throughout the season.
However, it should be noted that the current world No. 36 struggled with a nagging shoulder issue over the entire 2024. In her last tournament played, the former world No. 4 reached her second semifinal of the year in Guadalajara before losing to Magdalena Frech.
"Physically, Ive been pushing my shoulder to its limit, trying to recover while competing, and its just not working. I need more time off to heal properly. Mentally, I need a reset. I need to step away from the constant grind of tennis, take a real holiday, reconnect with my family and loved ones, and allow myself to breathe without the pressure of performance," Garcia announced on X.
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Garcia: My mindset was toxic...
The Frenchwoman - who was tipped for big success early on in her career - reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2018. But then, she started struggling with massive expectations and pressure and ended up being in a dark spot before ultimately rediscovering her best game in 2022.
When the 30-year-old made the 2022 US Open semifinal and won the 2022 WTA Finals, she looked very happy on the court and much more relaxed compared to some previous years. Unfortunately, when things got tougher after that season and she didn't manage to go a step further, her past woes reappeared.
And now, Garcia admits that the thought of never winning a Grand Slam in singles or being the top-ranked player weighed heavy on her mind.
"This year, my mindset was toxic. I lost touch with the joy of being a tennis player and became obsessed with rankings and wins. My results didnt match the goals I set or the expectations I had. The work, the sacrifices, the painit all felt the same as before, but the results werent there, and I couldnt compete at the level I know Im capable of. Thats been really hard to accept," the the world No. 36 explained.
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"Im 30 now, and Ive had an incredible careerwinning 1000-level titles, the WTA Finals, doubles Slams, reaching No. 4 in the world. But in my mind, Ive been stuck on what I havent achieved. I never made it to No. 1, never won a Slam, never reached an Olympic podium. Ive been inconsistent, unable to stay in the top 10 for a full year. Do I believe I can still achieve those things? Some days, yes. Other days, Im not so sure. Im not certain I can keep pushing in the same way I have before."
Garcia is mentally tired of anxiety and panic attacks
When you have big goals and expectations but the results aren't coming, it becomes mentally draining to go out and compete again. And the former world No. 4 is the first to acknowledge that.
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"Im exhausted from the anxiety, the panic attacks, the tears before matches. Tired of missing out on family moments and never having a place to truly call home. Im tired of living in a world where my worth is measured by last weeks results, my ranking, or my unforced errors. For too long, Ive let tennis consume me, ride the emotional highs and lows of every result. But Im more than that. Im a woman with values, talents, passions, flaws, and strengths. Im not perfect, but Im doing my best," Garcia noted.
In her message, the 30-year-old also hinted that she plans to take a couple of weeks off before she starts preparing for the new season. Also, the French tennis star confirmed that she is planning to start the 2025 season in Australia.
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It remains to be seen if Garcia can reach her goals in 2025.
