In an emotional message shared on X, Caroline Garcia announced her decision to step away from the tour for the remainder of the 2024 season. Following her participation in this month’s Guadalajara Open, the French player has chosen to prioritize her health and well-being, acknowledging the toll that the sport has taken on her both physically and mentally.
Garcia expressed the difficulty of her decision, stating, “It wasn’t an easy decision, because in tennis, every week off feels like falling behind—losing ranking points and ‘missing’ opportunities. But I know this is the right call to come back stronger in 2025 and fight for those big moments again.”
The immense physical and mental strain
The physical strain of competition has been a significant challenge for Garcia, particularly her ongoing shoulder issues. “Physically, I’ve been pushing my shoulder to its limit, trying to recover while competing, and it’s just not working. I need more time off to heal properly,” the 30-year-old explained.
Beyond physical concerns, Garcia emphasized the need for a mental reset. “Mentally, I need a reset. I need to step away from the constant grind of tennis,” she noted. The pressure to perform can lead to a toxic mindset, and Garcia acknowledged this in her reflection on her current mental state, stating:
I’m 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. I’m tired of living in a world where my worth is measured by last week’s results, my ranking, or my unforced errors.
Feeling overwhelmed on tour
While her career has been marked by significant accomplishments—two doubles Grand Slam titles, 11 WTA titles and a career-high singles ranking of No. 4—Garcia shared that she has become increasingly fixated on her perceived failures. “In my mind, I’ve been stuck on what I haven’t achieved. I never made it to No. 1, never won a (singles) Slam, never reached an Olympic podium,” she lamented. This introspection reveals the immense pressure athletes place on themselves, often measuring their worth by accomplishments and rankings:
Lately, I’ve felt overwhelmed on tour—the pressure to perform, the eyes watching your every move. I’ve been struggling with anxiety, closing myself off, feeling trapped on court. Winning doesn’t feel fulfilling anymore; it just brings relief that it’s over.
At the moment, Garcia sits at world No. 36, a position that has led to frustration and self-doubt. “I’ve been inconsistent, unable to stay in the Top 10 for a full year,” she wrote, encapsulating the emotional turmoil many athletes experience as they grapple with their performance levels.
Comeback in Australia 2025
Despite the challenges, Garcia remains determined to return to the sport she loves. “I’m choosing to step away for now. I’m taking a few weeks off to recharge, then I’ll start preparing for 2025 early—getting ready physically, mentally, and tactically,” she stated.
Moreover, Garcia acknowledges that tennis has brought her invaluable experiences: “Yet despite it all, I love tennis. It’s brought me so much—lessons, experiences, amazing people (like my fiancé), and unforgettable emotions. Tennis made me who I am.”
In her closing remarks, Garcia expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career, concluding with a hopeful, “See you in Australia.”
