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…