Katie O’Brien: British tennis in good shape as life without my racket beckons

The decision I made to quit tennis earlier this month was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever had to make – because tennis has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Tennis to me has been not only a career, but also a way of life.

I’m still passionate about the sport, but felt I’d maximised my potential and I didn’t want to spend the next few years being a journeywoman.

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I’ve toyed briefly with the idea of stopping tennis a few times over the years when things haven’t been going so well, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that I started to consider it seriously.

In the back of my mind, I knew World Team Tennis was going to be my last event but I didn’t want to rush into a decision I might end up regretting later.

So I put my rackets aside for a few weeks after I returned from the United States to see if I felt any differently about things, but in my heart of hearts I knew I wanted to stop and move onto something new.

My family has been incredibly positive about me retiring and support my decision entirely. They’ve followed my career every step of the way. I’m sure they’ve all obtained an extra few grey hairs over the years following my matches on live scoring.

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People I’ve spoken to at the Lawn Tennis Association have said I should be proud of what I’ve achieved and of my contribution to British tennis. I’m very grateful to the LTA, as without their support I do not think I would have been able to achieve what I did.

I’ve been overwhelmed by all the texts/emails/tweets I’ve had offering kind words. I had no idea so many people were following my career.

After leaving school at 18 and embarking on a professional tennis career my goal was to break into the world’s top 100.

I knew it was going to be tough, but I was very determined. I was a couple of match points away from achieving my goal in Bangalore at the beginning of 2008, but I choked.

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I had another golden opportunity to break the top 100 later in the same year, but I missed my opportunity again.

It started to become a bit of a mental block and I slipped down the rankings but I persevered and finally broke the top 100 at the end of 2009 when I made the final (saving match points en route) in Shrewsbury. I was euphoric.

There were a few close matches that got away from me throughout my career, which I beat myself up about at the time. However, I can live safe in the knowledge that I always gave my best.

I would not hesitate in encouraging youngsters to take up the game. From my personal experience, it’s been hugely rewarding. I’ve made a living doing something I love.

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Through tennis, I’ve travelled the world, met many great people and competed against some of the world’s best players at the biggest tournaments. At all levels, tennis is a super sport and can offer many opportunities.

The women’s game in Britain has made great strides in the last five years, with five women breaking the world’s top 100 (myself included) of which two have gone on to break into the top 50.

Those stats would have seemed inconceivable 10 years ago. Laura Robson and Heather Watson both have huge promise, which is something to be optimistic about.

If I’m being honest, the men’s game in this country has been disappointing in recent years (if you discount Andy Murray), but there is plenty of talent in the pipeline among the juniors.

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It’s great for aspiring British youngsters to have home-grown role models they can look up to.

I really couldn’t say if it’s now easier to take up tennis than when I first started or not, but I know the LTA have worked hard over recent years to improve accessibility to the game and make tennis more appealing.

It’s been nice to take things easy and enjoy some time at home for a change after spending so much time on the road.

I’ve been on holiday this last week – which is only the second holiday I’ve had in the last eight years. I was never very good at unwinding when I was playing – I was always anxious to get back into training.

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I’m not entirely sure which career path I’d like to follow now so I’m trying to keep as many options open as possible.

I’ve already set about getting some work experience in areas I think I’d be interested in: media, events and marketing.

Ideally, I’d like to stay involved within tennis if I can. I’m not sure if I want to coach, but I think it will be worthwhile to take my coaching qualifications.

I would love to be able to help out with the younger generation of players in some capacity.

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Finishing off my degree with the Open University is also an ambition. I’m a third of the way through.

I was studying towards a degree in Business Studies but I think I may switch over to Law.

Since I stopped playing I’ve been running, cycling and going to the gym regularly as I enjoy being active. I want to give myself a bit of a break from playing tennis but I have hit a few balls recently.

My flatmate is down at our local club in London almost every night playing recreationally.

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She’s encouraged me to come down and play the odd social mixed doubles match.

Initially, I thought I would struggle to enjoy it as whenever I’ve played tennis the emphasis has always

been on

the winning rather than the taking part. However, I’ve had such a laugh. It’s been great to get involved in such a social environment.  

So now I become a full-time fan of tennis, and what better time than with the US Open only a few days away.

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In my opinion, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are the clear favourites.

Despite only just returning to the tour after almost a year out of the game. Serena has hit a rich vein of form, winning both of the US tournaments she has played in leading up to the Open.

I didn’t expect her to come back to the tour so strongly, but she’s a class act.

I had the privilege of playing doubles against her during my recent World Team Tennis experience and it was clear that she had been working hard and had her hunger back for the game. Djokovic seems to get better every time I see him play. He’s really raised the bar in the men’s game and it will be a real test for Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Murray and others to match him.

Katie O’Brien factfile

Residence: Hull, Yorkshire.

Born: 2 May 1986, Beverley, Yorkshire.

Height: 1.68 m (5ft 6ins).

Turned pro: 2004.

Retired: August 12, 2011.

Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand).

Career prize money: $506,741.

Singles career record: 283–230.

Singles career titles: 0.

Singles highest ranking: No 84 (1 February 2010).

Singles current ranking: No 215 (20 June 2011).

Doubles career record: 101–118.

Doubles career titles: 0.

Doubles highest ranking: No 174 (8 October 2007).

Doubles current ranking: No 276 (4 April 2011).

Grand Slam results (Singles)

Australian Open 2R (2010).

French Open 1R (2009, 2010).

Wimbledon 2R (2007).

US Open Q2 (2009).

Grand Slam results (doubles)

Australian Open (NA).

French Open (NA).

Wimbledon 1R (2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010).

US Open (NA).

Grand Slam results (mixed)

Wimbledon 2R (2008).

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