November Blog
When I spent 30 minutes shoveling snow to free my car, I definitely knew that winter has arrived in Switzerland and the year is slowly coming to an end. With some advent calendar doors already being opened, this feels like the right time not only to look back on November, but also to reflect on the past 11 months. I mean oh boy if someone had told me in January what 2024 had in store for me, from the new people I’d meet, to those I’d slowly drift away from, the memories I’d create, and the ways my life would change, I would NOT have believed them. But, as in Rafael Nadal’s famous words “But here we are, we are in Rome.” (Iykyk)
I’m breaking this year’s reflection down into a few sections—each one connected in its own way. First up, my relationship with tennis.
Upon till April I was still playing tennis professionally. Then, I decided to take the opportunity to coach Leandro on the tour. Back when I was a professional player, when it came to tennis, all I cared about was improving - how can I get better? How can I be more competitive? At the time, I saw coaches as people who focused purely on teaching me techniques, tactics or other tennis related stuff – not much beyond that. But now, being on the other side of it, I’ve learned that good coaching is more than that. For me, it’s about being a role model. My view of coaching has changed - it’s not just about teaching, but also about showing and leading by example, both on and off the court. I realized this when I found myself growing and maturing, trying to become a better person through the process of coaching someone else.
Reflecting on my decision in April to coach Leandro full-time, I have to say it was one of the biggest and most difficult choices I’ve made in my 24 years of living. I felt a natural passion and even a “talent” for coaching players like him – ambitious, reflective & high performing. My gut feeling said I should take the chance - I knew what an incredible opportunity it was. But at the same time, I loved playing and competing so much that saying goodbye to it broke my heart. Doing both was never an option because it would mean not being fully committed to either. It was one of those rare moments when I genuinely felt scared to take the step. Not because I doubted my abilities, but because I had to let go of something that had been my entire world. Also, in a way I felt I’m letting down some people that supported me throughout the years. I felt guilt. What helped me to push past those feelings was the fire I felt to start working with Leandro and build a team. I had plenty of work planned for him and being part of a team, after many years traveling alone, was something I looked forward to.
Looking back, I have to say I haven’t regretted my decision. Sure, as mentioned in my last blog, there are moments when I kind of wish I would still be competing. But I’m also aware that you can’t have everything. And in my opinion, that’s also one major reason why so many people feel unsatisfied in life; They want this and that, nothing is good enough and they’re always on the search for a potential better option. Social media only makes this worse, with its endless parade of seemingly perfect lives that can make your own feel less than enough.
What I’ve also learned this year is the importance of letting go of things that have passed. Life moves fast. Trying to hold onto things that are no longer there or can’t be changed not only wastes time but also prevents you from embracing new opportunities. You could be missing out on something great simply because you’re stuck on the past. It’s easier said than done… I kNoW. The injury of Leandro is one good example of this. Instead of dwelling on what the second half of the season could have been, I had to try to make the most of the time I suddenly had at home. I used it to educate myself on how to be better at what I do and to take care of personal matters I usually don’t have time for while on the road. I mean eventually, it’s also what tennis teaches you. There is no time to whine about a lost point - the next is already on its way. You better be ready to play it.
The year has truly been a rollercoaster, with its incredible highs and some pretty tough lows. Looking back with a bit of distance, I’m thankful for both. There’s so much more I could reflect on, but I won’t turn this into a book. My quote of the month sums up part of my 2024 reflection quite well:
You won’t know if you don’t throw.
Also, I’ve decided to take a break next month, so I’ll be back with a new blog on the first Friday of February. That is because, the blog is meant to focus mainly on the abnormal lifestyle of being on the road for tennis. Since Leandro is still in his rehab process and we’ll be practicing at home for the next couple of weeks, there are not so many interesting things to write about. I definitely would find some funny and unserious stuff – also about my personal life - but let’s keep it somewhat professional (*clown emoji inserted).
I want to thank each and every one that is still here, following my blog posts. You are amazing. (Probably also pretty bored in your life). Feel free to reach out with ideas for what you’d like to read about next year or any creative suggestions. Until then, I wish you all a lovely Christmas and a happy new year!