A disrupted 2020 has introduced sure issues into focus for Johanna Konta and she is going to look again on it in a ‘good manner’ regardless of little success on courtroom.
Konta, Britain’s highest-ranked tennis participant, misplaced 9 of her 17 matches – figures removed from the lofty requirements she set when reaching world No. 4.
Of her eight match wins just one got here at a Grand Slam – a first-round win over compatriot Heather Watson on the US Open – and she or he failed to achieve a WTA closing for the primary time since 2015.
There have been, in fact, mitigating circumstances. In a season closely impacted – significantly on the WTA facet – by the coronavirus disaster, Konta continued to take care of an ongoing knee drawback. She describes her administration of her physique as a ‘huge win’.
‘I feel I’ll look again on it in a pleasant manner as a result of it was a really difficult but additionally very difficult for everybody,’ stated Konta. ‘I undoubtedly received some wins this yr in the best way of my knee.
‘My knee is loads higher. Truly the administration of it and the best way I’m approaching it, even when I’ve ache, it’s so a lot better than it was on the finish of final yr and starting of this yr. So that could be a huge win.
‘As a result of I feel that can assist me within the subsequent few seasons when I’m taking part in, having the ability to handle my physique that a lot better. I’m wholesome basically. My household round me are wholesome. Within the yr of 2020 well being is far more of a treasured reward.’
Her well being was thrust into the highlight when she suffered coronary heart palpitations on courtroom through the High Seed Open in Lexington – her first event again following the shutdown of the tennis excursions.
She maintains she ‘is aware of it’s not harmful’ however has a plan in place, ought to it occur once more, with a view to study extra.
‘I’ve had no episodes because the coronary heart palpitations factor,’ added Konta. ‘Knocking on wooden, it received’t be taking place for one more few years. It’s a kind of issues the place it’s there nevertheless it’s nothing to be afraid of.
‘What I will probably be doing is I will probably be getting a little bit form of package the place if it does occur…principally we need to get me little gadget the place if it does occur whereas I’m on courtroom I’m able to put my fingers on there and it maps out what my coronary heart price is doing.
‘We need to get that sorted for me and I can have that with me if I’m in a scenario the place I’m on courtroom and it occurs – then we are able to correctly see what my coronary heart is doing. That’s all of the problem with these kinds of issues. You wish to see what your coronary heart is doing within the second by which it’s taking place.
‘In any other case, I’ve had each single take a look at underneath the solar. My coronary heart is completely wonderful. My well being is completely wonderful. There’s nothing to fret about that.’
And her knee?
‘It’s chugging alongside properly,’ stated Konta. ‘It’s nonetheless one thing I’m coping with. However I feel it’s undoubtedly entering into the fitting course.
‘I get stronger with it, I’ve had an updates scan lately the place it exhibits that the tendon regrowth is trying very well. We mapped out what the tendon regarded like final yr in comparison with this yr and it appears to be like a a lot improved, a lot more healthy tendon. Constructive all-round.’
Konta, at the moment the 14th greatest feminine participant on the planet, will flip 30 in Might and is maintaining her finger on the heartbeat by way of issues away from the courtroom as she considers when to hold up her racquet.
‘That’s the primary time anybody has ever put that into dialog that I’m turning 30 subsequent yr. Wow, I’m turning 30,’ she smiled. ‘I do know it’s a giant day.
‘When it comes to longevity, I undoubtedly motivated, impressed and excited to play. I’m 100% not seeking to cease within the subsequent couple of years for positive. Nevertheless I’m open additionally to what life throws at you.
‘You by no means know what the longer term holds, how issues develop. I’m coaching now into subsequent season, I’m trying ahead to competing and see myself undoubtedly taking part in one other season after that.
‘Then I’m going to hearken to my physique, hearken to my coronary heart and soul, see the place I’m in my life. I want to have kids so clearly that will probably be a contemplating consider how lengthy I play, how I do issues. However yeah, let’s sit up for 2021 after which hopefully 2022 after which let’s see the place we’re!’
There’s a rising cluster of moms competing on the WTA Tour, with Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Kim Clijsters essentially the most high-profile.
All have reached Grand Slam finals since turning into dad and mom, with Clijsters considered one of three moms in historical past to win a serious title after giving delivery.
Konta, nonetheless, is not sure if she would think about a return to the tour after beginning a household.
‘For positive, we now have actually wonderful examples of unimaginable ladies who’re ready to do this, chosen to do this and wished to do this,’ added Konta. ‘Vika can be one other unimaginable instance. There are a bunch of gamers, Tatjana Maria and Mandy Minella, who’ve carried out that.
‘Additionally gamers are who’re embarking on motherhood and seeking to play sooner or later. You realize, it’s undoubtedly a pathway that’s turning into extra walked and extra stabilised and trail-blazed by some actually unimaginable ladies.
‘I don’t know if that could be a path for me. I can’t say I ever think about myself taking part in on tour as a mom. I’m not closed to the thought. One factor I’ve labored very laborious on my profession is to remain fairly open to issues round me and for issues to alter. I’m open to that altering. However , I don’t know. In all probability I’d see myself retire after which begin a household. However who is aware of?’
Subsequent season’s plans stay unsure. No event calendar is but set however ought to it’s possible, Konta is open to a Fed Cup return after the tie was moved from Mexico to Britain.
One occasion is in little doubt, nonetheless. Konta is determined to be part of Workforce GB on the Tokyo Olympics.
‘I imply initially I wish to be a part of the Olympics. It might simply imply a lot to me to be a part of Workforce GB,’ stated Konta.
‘Being a part of Workforce GB in Rio was an enormous pinnacle in any athlete’s life. To have the ability to do this twice, 100% I’d like to be there. Clearly, I’d like to play singles. I imply I might undoubtedly think about doubles. Hopefully Heather has additionally certified for that or will probably be near qualifying. Who is aware of whoever can have a very good yr and qualify.’
Konta has already received her sights set on a combined doubles companion: Britain’s top-ranked doubles participant Joe Salisbury.
And she or he despatched an unorthodox request, through coach Dan Smethurst, to companion the Australian Open champion.
‘I’ve already cheekily requested Joe if he’ll play combined doubles with me. Within the US Open, Dan and I have been mucking round,’ stated Konta. ‘I did a little bit…what’s it referred to as? You realize when folks ship of their tapes for audition. I did a little bit audition tape of me volleying.
‘I used to be like: “For those who’ll have me, I’d be very grateful.” Hopefully we are able to play collectively. Who is aware of who will probably be taking part in then. Well being and all the pieces. There’s a lot within the air. I’d undoubtedly like to play combined doubles with him if he can have me.
‘Dan despatched it to him. And he responded to Dan, saying he’s the one who ought to most likely be auditioning not me. I assumed that was very good of him. Very chivalrous. Hopefully the Video games all go forward and no large obstacles in the best way for that.’
Jo Konta is an ellesse athlete. For particulars go to http://www.ellesse.com or @ellesse on Instagram +
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