Slovenia’s Juvan reveals she’s taking a break to grieve after her father’s death

The 22-year-old issued a heartfelt Instagram post in which she explained how bereft she has been feeling

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April 5, 2023

Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan says she’s taking a break from tennis to grieve after her father’s recent death from cancer.

The 22-year-old’s father died in December 2022 and though she’s been trying to play on the Tour, she has decided to take a break.

“I lost my dad to cancer in December. It’s been a really challenging time since then, as losing such a close person to me has been the hardest thing in my life,” she wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post.

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Une publication partagée par Kaja Juvan (@kajajuvan)

“The grieving process has been really hard for me. I feel tired and overwhelmed on most days from just even normal functioning, which makes training and competing sometimes feel really difficult. Some days I feel very motivated and some just really stressed out and sad.

“That being said, some days are better and some are worse, but for now the pain and the sadness are still very much there. I don’t think they will ever completely go away but in time I’m learning that the pain is coming from a place of love and I feel like the painful memories are slowly turning into memories that I just cherish are there.”

Thoughts and prayers to #KajaJuvan who has been struggling since the loss of her father in December… the full read on her Instagram page 🙏🏼

We hope to see her back on the court soon pic.twitter.com/Cmn56dZ01o
— Philip Fama (@tweener_head) April 4, 2023

Juvan: “I want to take it day by day and see how I feel”

Juvan, who is currently ranked No 123, says she’ll come back when she feels ready and said she hoped her honesty can help others go through similarly difficult things.

“I decided to slow down with playing normal tournaments for just a few weeks (or whatever will feel right) and I will come back when I am ready to do that,” she said. “I want to take it day by day and week by week to see how I feel.

“I also want to let everyone know that if anyone’s going through something similar, and ever feels like they’re alone in these times, there is always someone you can turn to or find help. I am also always here to listen.”