Caroline Garcia confesses: "I made the decision at the beginning of the year, I couldn't handle it anymore"

Very emotional press conference from Caroline Garcia this Saturday, May 24, on the verge of what will be her last Roland Garros as a professional. An outcome she had sensed for a while due to the difficulties the French player always faced in dealing with injuries, pressure, and the expectations that her own successes brought upon her. Now, at 31 and completely drained of energy, her speech acknowledges the most critical moments she went through a few months ago, although today she appears completely recovered and, most importantly, reconciled with this profession that has given her so much joy. These are her last words before facing Bernarda Pera in the first round.

A mutual decision

"I made the decision at the beginning of the year; I wasn’t sure whether to announce it or not, but as the tournament approached, I felt more emotional, so I thought it was a good time. I am enjoying every minute, so I am at peace with my decision. I did not make it due to the pains; it is not related to that issue. The most important goal in sports is to surpass oneself, to reach higher each time, but sometimes there are physical limits that one must deal with. With the back pain, I have thought a lot, to the point of telling myself, 'Maybe it’s not worth it anymore at this point.' It has been a daily struggle, that is true, a constant discomfort."

Playing with pain

"I can only speak from my experience; I admit that sometimes I lacked confidence in myself, I found it hard to think beyond the pain or mental stress, even fear. In my mind, unless I couldn’t step onto the court, there was always the thought that anything could happen. Perhaps other colleagues have been in worse conditions than me, maybe one day you achieve an unexpected victory, but the ranking will always be there to remind you of what happens if you don’t play. Now I believe that in my career, I played too many tournaments when I wasn’t even at 90%, but if you can walk, you think you can also play tennis."

Competition always demands more

"In sports, you are supposed to push your limits, become stronger, faster, and last longer on the court. You have to find those limits, either through painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or any other medication to help you go a little further, or to make those pains quieter. Then each one has their conscience to take them and worsen the injury; you always have to think about the future, so it’s in your hands. Like I said, I think that on many occasions, I played tournaments that I shouldn’t have played due to pain, besides not being there mentally. Playing with pain is exhausting; it’s difficult to enjoy those moments, so sometimes I didn’t trust myself enough."

Her last Roland Garros

"It’s a strange feeling, but deep down, I knew this would be my last time here, so I prepared for it. I have been coming to this tournament since I was little, when I went to school, at 4:00 p.m. after class, I watched it on TV. There are many special moments and some very complicated ones, but this is what has shaped me as a tennis player. I remember when I won the doubles twice with Kristina Mladenovic, although in singles, I had wonderful moments too. They were always special moments, so I hope that this year is no exception."

The lowest point of her crisis

"Last year, when I was out for a while, I wasn’t sure if I would return, but I stopped because I really needed it, especially from an emotional standpoint. I was starting to hate tennis and everything around it, so I wanted to have free time to think and reflect on what I truly felt. After a while, I realized that I really love tennis for all that it brings to my life, so I wanted to play another season... but in my way, with the perfect balance between my personal and professional life. I love tennis, and I always will, despite all the work required to reach the elite. Now I don't have the strength to do it anymore; I can’t go on. It has been a slow but sure process; I am becoming more proud of what I have achieved on the court."

Where will we see her play?

"I will play at Queen’s because it’s the first year that the girls are going, so that motivates me a lot. Then I would like to go to Wimbledon, although it will depend on my ranking since I have dropped many positions now. In that case, it will depend on whether I have a wildcard or not. And then there is the US Open."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Caroline Garcia confiesa: “Tomé la decisión a principio de año, ya no podía más”