You can prosper boo! You can thrive! As long as you survive! Survive hardships! Don’t give up!

Court Surface

My favorite surface is hard courts, but sometimes I have to play on other surfaces. I also need to succeed on them in order to get to my goal ranking. Clay is adjustable, slower, and slippery. Some would say life isn’t fair, the ball doesn’t bounce the same, the court calls aren’t accurate, the strings keep popping, and my grip always needs to be changed.  Why now? Well, I’ve got news for you- Shut up and play tennis! Before you got here, you knew what it would be like and even if you didn’t know fully, you knew you came to accomplish your goal. Stop allowing the surface to detour you from reaching your progress!

Food

Some people get sick in foreign places. Some even have to leave and go back home. Want my advice? Bring your own oatmeal, bars, nuts, even avocados, spices, vitamins, or anything you think your body needs to be at it's best. Better safe than sorry. Our immune systems aren’t always strong enough to take the local foods or drinks. Some places, water isn't even an option.  Bottled water is the only option. Be prepared.

 Jetlag

Sleep is very important for an athlete. Bump athlete, people in general. Adjusting to the time difference is major when you’re traveling to accomplish your end goal.  Want my advice—Get to your destination about 2-3 days in advance so you’ll be able to adjust. You don’t want to fall asleep too soon or too late. You want to be in the same time zone so you can play effectively and efficiently.

Language Barrier

Different countries speak different languages that you will not be able to understand. You can try to understand, but will you? Most natives feel more comfortable with tourists that know a few words. If you're interested, download an app called Duolingo and it will teach you the ropes. If you are not interested, get a Google translator app. Don't get stuck in a foreign country with no sort of translation or understanding.

 Girls/Coaches

Girls go to tournaments for many different reasons!  So many people with different agendas that want to put their agenda on you. Some are for tennis, while some are there for, well, no need for me to say. Stick with people who have the same mentality as you. You’re at a tournament to do a job, NOT to make friends. Some coaches are even there to help you practice, making you their student or, well, you know, no need for me to say again. Don’t forget your job! Everyone’s there for a different purpose. What’s your purpose, start to finish? Be the girl who has tunnel vision. You have a ranking goal, to reach it. Know the people you’re around. Don’t get needy on me. Go do your job! Be the girl you want others to look up too when you get to the top.

Recovery

Stuck in a foreign place trying to get recovery drinks or food for the next day? Think again! Bring everything you need to be successful. Who told you the stores will have it? Adapting to the strain equals champion. Come prepared to fight.