Switching off is very much a mindset – you have to be kind to yourself
Tennis star Johanna Konta gives LUKE RIX-STANDING her advice on coping with life’s pressures
IT’S been a tumultuous few years for tennis ace Johanna Konta. In 2017, she earned a nomination for BBC Sports Personality of the Year after clocking a career high ranking of number four in the world and reaching the Wimbledon Semis.
But 2018 was far tougher for the British women’s number one, and she split with her third coach in as many years after plummeting to 45th in the world.
Last year saw her bounce back in style, reaching the Wimbledon Quarters and the French Open Semis to end 2019 at number 12.
We caught up with the Ellesse ambassador to talk fashion, fitness, and finding her way through the tough world of tennis in 2020...
Tell us a little bit about your own style?
I THINK style is about self-expression for a lot of people and, for me, that’s all about comfort. Off court, I’d say I’m reserved and reasonably classic.
Just how much of your off-court lifestyle is dictated by tennis?
MY job is all-encompassing, and even the way I treat my body when I’m resting dictates what I’m able to get out of it when I’m on court. Everything from sleeping to eating to life choices – it all matters.
How do you de-stress after a big match?
AFTER a very long or emotionally intense match, you need a little time to decompress. It depends on where I am and who I’m with, but food is a bit part of it, and getting to eat something I enjoy helps me relax.
After emotionally intense matches do you ever struggle to switch off?
I’VE learned how, over the years, it’s very much a mindset and it does involve conscious effort. I go through my routines, debrief the match with my coaching team, and then give myself permission to enjoy the rest of the day... If you’re kind to yourself and give yourself time, then it start to take care of itself.
How do you stay positive if it isn’t going your way on court?
YOU’VE got to acknowledge when your opponent is doing things well. When you accept that, you can stop judging yourself too harshly.
And, off court, how do you look after your wellbeing?
I HAVE so many things to be grateful for, and it’s important to remember that when things aren’t going my way. I have a family I’m incredibly close to, and a lot of good things I know to stay very humble about.
Do you ever struggle to motivate yourself?
I’VE never met anyone that’s motivated every day of their lives, and sometimes it does feel like a real struggle. But those days are temporary, and I’ve learned to accept that and look for positives in them – something that will add to me as a person or player.
Have you ever had difficulty with the performance aspect of tennis – playing in front of so many people?
MAYBE in my late-teens I did find it hard, as you have to find your place in the sport and, at that age, there’s definitely insecurity.
But I always enjoyed performing in front of people, especially as a youngster and, after working through that stage, I began to enjoy it again.
When you were growing up, was there a moment you knew you wanted to be a tennis player?
I DECIDED I wanted to be number one in the world when I was nine years old – I was just very fortunate that I had a family around me that did everything possible to help me work towards that dream.
Did you have a sporting icon that you looked up to?
I NEVER truly idolised or wanted to be like anyone, I think I always wanted to be myself. However, I did admire Steffi Graf – her class, her presence.
Are you particularly conscious of your role as role model?
NOT actively, I don’t wake up every morning and think, ‘I’m a role model’, but I enjoy talking to anybody that I can find parallels in their journey with what I’ve spoken about in mine. There’s always a joy in sharing things like that with people, and if I can get them through just one tough match, it’s a great privilege.
What are your tips for those following in your footsteps?
THE main thing is accepting that a lot of things come with time and experience, and being kind to yourself, whatever your situation.
Is there anything you would change about your career?
NO regrets! I’m a firm believer that things do happen for a reason, and that you choose paths that you were meant to take. I wouldn’t change my journey for anything.
When are you at your happiest?
WITH my dogs! I’m really enjoying my career, I’m really enjoying playing tennis, and I’m really enjoying the people that I have in my life. I’m very grateful for the amount of joy I get from my work.
■ Johanna Konta is the British women’s tennis number one and a leading Ellesse athlete. See the brand’s collection at ellesse.com
I have so many things to be grateful for and it’s important to remember that when things aren’t going my way