Caroline Garcia is taking on a new challenge in her life—this time, in the halls of Harvard Business School.
In a recent post on X, the French tennis star shared the exciting news:
I made it to Harvard Business School So grateful for this opportunity to join such a special university! I can’t wait to keep learning new things and meet amazing people from different fields. Thank you WTA and Anita Elberse for this opportunity. No better way to use my off-season.
I made it to Harvard Business School ????
So grateful for this opportunity to join such a special university!
I can’t wait to keep learning new things and meet amazing people from different fields.
Thank you WTA and Anita Elberse for this opportunity.
No better way to use my… pic.twitter.com/EiAt49BXPz
— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) October 2, 2024
The program, led by Harvard Business School Professor Anita Elberse, is designed to offer elite athletes, entertainers, and other prominent figures an opportunity to expand their knowledge and leadership skills in the business world. The chance to learn in such an esteemed environment reflects Garcia’s desire to prepare for life after tennis while still maintaining her competitive edge.
Garcia’s decision to pursue this educational opportunity coincides with another major announcement. Earlier this month, the 30-year-old French player revealed that she would prematurely end her 2024 tennis season to focus on her health and well-being. In an emotional message shared on X, Garcia explained the physical and mental toll that competing at the highest level has taken on her, especially as she’s dealt with 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.”
In addition to physical setbacks, Garcia opened up about the mental strain of the constant pressure to perform. She revealed that the weight of expectations, from both herself and others, had led to anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional exhaustion:
“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.”
Her decision to pause her tennis career until the start of 2025 reflects a growing awareness among athletes of the importance of mental health. Garcia’s openness about her struggles brings attention to the pressures that elite players face and the need for moments of reset.
