Q.) In October 2019, you picked up the singles title in Dallas and you started this season very well reaching the semi-final in Midland (USA), do you think you were playing some of the best tennis of your career? And how do you use these positive results to build and climb the rankings?
A.) I gained some momentum last autumn which gave me confidence heading into this year. It came when I least expected it and I kept building match after match. I was playing freely and confidently and it just shows how it takes one match or one tournament to change things around. Midland is one of my favourite tournaments and I always have great memories each year. I grew up on indoor hard so it’s definitely a familiar environment for me. I try to reflect on the success I had in Dallas and Midland to show myself what I am capable of.
Q.) You had a fantastic 2019 doubles season too, reaching five finals, do you find the transition between playing singles and doubles easy? Which do you prefer playing and why?
A.) I enjoy playing doubles, but it’s tough playing with different people week after week. Ideally I would like to play with the same one or two people throughout the year to develop stability and consistency, but both my singles and doubles rankings aren’t at the point where I have that luxury just yet.
Q.) Just on those finals, doubles in particular is a game of very small margins, one break can decide a set. To reach five finals in three months is a great achievement, however after winning just one of those finals, do you reflect afterwards and aim to try things differently when in your next final, or is it a case of just moving on, trusting in your A-game and believing you will win the next final you play in?
A.) I try to learn from my past results. I’m always looking to improve my serve, return and transition game. It also depends who I’m playing with as I tend to have better results with girls I’ve played with for multiple tournaments.
Q.) In recent years, you would be touring and playing competitively throughout the year. With the majority of the schedule being cancelled in 2020, do you plan to keep training hard, work on new things and prepare for the next tournament, or are you taking an opportunity to rest?
A.) I’m trying to do what I can during this time. I am keeping up with at home workouts and using this time to improve my mobility and flexibility. It’s definitely a big change as my load has significantly decreased and my training and tournament schedule is still unknown. I’m using this time to work on the mental side as well. I’m doing a lot of journaling and self-exploration in the mean time.
Q.) America have produced a pool of young, hugely talented players – Sofia Kenin, Amanda Anisimova, Caty Mcnally, Coco Gauff and more. Why do you think there has been a sudden influx of quality players? And who do you think has the potential to go on and win the most titles?
A.) It’s great to see all the young, up and coming girls rise up the rankings so fast. It’s good motivation for the rest of us to keep pushing each other. Girls tend to peak at a younger age compared to boys, but I think the younger players have access to so many great resources and technology to help their success. All of the players listed have had remarkable achievements to date, but I could see Sonya winning more slams in the future along with Coco. Maybe a future rivalry!?
Q.) If you had to create a hybrid women’s tennis player, who would you pick?
Serve: Serena Williams
Forehand: Naomi Osaka
Backhand: Sonya Kenin
Net-play: Ash Barty
Defence: Simona Halep
Thanks to Jamie for doing an interview with us, I wish her the best for 2020!
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