Julia Payola, one of the young Spanish tennis players who had generated the most expectations since her junior stage, has announced her retirement at age 23 for numerous factors. Payola hangs up the racket as a pro after winning three ITF tour titles before injuries eroded his potential.
The Catalan tennis player gave an interview to the Punto de Break portal in which he reviews the reasons that led him to make this decision. “In the tennis issue I had not been well for several years, the objectives that I set for myself were not being met, I may lack level. Physically, the last two injuries have exhausted me a lot. And mentally I did not see myself with the necessary motivation to continue, nor did I find the energy that I have always had. A month ago I stopped seeing myself competing in tournaments and I started to imagine myself doing other things. That made me make the decision, but I didn’t want to take it hot “
Payola believes that the change of routine after a lifetime dedicated to tennis will be difficult. “It was a very tough decision, I’ve been doing this all my life, I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve lived it one hundred percent. I remember the good times and the bad too. Tennis was and is my life, it will be hard to start changing the routines that have accompanied me “.
The Catalan tennis player confessed that she was aware of the expectations that were generated around her, and acknowledges that, despite this early end, she has no regrets. “I always stood out in the lower categories, I remember at 16 years of age winning an ITF of $ 10,000 and that makes you set new goals that then do not finish. In recent years I did not see myself competing well, I have lacked regularity, although my character has also prevented me from trying new things. Any tennis player who dedicates himself to being a professional dreams of being a Top-10. Despite abandoning this path, I do not regret anything, I would do it again. If I have not reached higher, it is because I did not have to reach higher, I am aware that I have given everything and I am proud of my effort “
However, Payola confesses that tennis will continue to be his life. “I still think that tennis is my life. Even if I stop being a professional tennis player, I know that my life will be linked to tennis, helping in any way. I am very grateful to this sport. Also, I’m finishing my ADE degree, I’ve always liked organizing events, representing players or brands … I’m a very organized girl, I think I can be good at it. “