Garcia finds love for tennis again but warns she will quit if she falls back into “toxic environment”

Caroline Garcia‘s mental turmoil has been a major part of her career, the Frenchwoman sharing with the world how tennis has been both good for her and detrimental to her mental health, at various times.

Last year, the 31-year-old ended her season early, revealing she had suffered panic attacks and anxiety before matches, while she detailed the online abuse she – and others – have to deal with on a daily basis.

In an open and heartfelt interview with French sports paper L’Equipe this week, Garcia said she had rediscovered her love of tennis but warned that 2025 could be her last year, especially if she finds herself in a similar situation as she faced this year. 

“At the end of every match, win or loss, I was just relieved,” she said. “I didn’t know why I was playing anymore. I hated the person I was becoming. It was draining me. I even started to lose sight of who I am. It was unsustainable to continue this way.

“If in 2025 I find myself in a toxic environment again, if I see myself losing sleep and suffering from anxiety attacks again, then it will mean it’s the end. The reality is that I don’t see myself playing for another five years.”

Wanting to enjoy tennis

Garcia, a former world No 4 tipped for greatness at the age of 16 but who has struggled to reach her potential in Grand Slams, said she is trying to be positive and enjoy her tennis.

“I want to discover the circuit in a different way,” she said. “To be myself, happy, proud of my efforts and not depressed after a defeat.”

“I also rediscovered leisure tennis by playing with my partner Borja (Duran, her fiancé). Concentrating on the game, rather than the competition, helped me understand why I loved tennis. I also signed up via the WTA for a four- or five-month crossover with Harvard University (USA).

“You have cases to study, like LeBron James and his marketing agency or Roger Federer and the Laver Cup, you can attend online courses… I’d never taken the time to open myself up to other things, to get out of my comfort zone.”

Garcia is hoping to return to the Tour at the start of January, and is planning to play at the Australian Open.

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