Motherhood and Elite Tennis: Balancing the Game and Family
Introduction
The recent impressive performance of Elina Svitolina,who became a mother just eight months ago, at the Roland-Garros has surprised many in the tennis world. The Ukrainian star, along with her husband French tennis ace Gael Monfils, welcomed daughter Skai in October 2020 and Svitolina only returned to the court in March 2021. In this report, we discuss how motherhood has been redefined in the world of sports, specifically in tennis. We also feature insights from former champion Kim Clijsters who became a mother in 2008 and then won the US Open in 2009 and 2010, on how she managed to juggle motherhood with elite tennis.
Redefined Motherhood in Sports
Motherhood can significantly disrupt a tennis player’s career as the physical demands of the sport are intense, and the time required to raise a child is significant. Additionally, returning to professional-level sports after childbirth adds to the complexity of balancing two demanding worlds.
However, with the growing number of “supermum” tennis players, including Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Kim Clijsters, to name a few, motherhood in sports has been redefined. By showcasing their ability to balance both motherhood and tennis, these players have proved that motherhood does not necessarily interrupt a tennis player’s professional career.
Kim Clijsters on Juggling Motherhood and Elite Tennis
Kim Clijsters, who has experienced a similar revolution, has provided insights into how she managed to juggle motherhood and elite tennis. As a former champion and mother of three, Clijsters understands the challenges tennis players face when they become mothers. In an interview with Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily, she emphasized that juggling motherhood and tennis is not easy, but it is possible.
Clijsters further adds that motherhood, in some ways, can be a nice distraction from the game. It provides a tennis player with an opportunity to switch off and focus on family, playing with their baby, or going for walks. She also highlights that tennis players need to find a balance to juggle both, and not just give up one for the other.
Editorial and Advice
The success of “supermum” tennis players like Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, and Kim Clijsters highlights the resilience of women and their ability to juggle multiple roles and succeed at the highest level. These women have shown that, with determination, hard work, and a support system, mothers can succeed in any field they choose.
As mothers take career breaks to raise their children, society must recognize the challenges women face when they return to their professional career. Returning mothers require support from their employers, families, and society to ease their transition back to work. The efforts of mothers to establish a balance between professional life and family must be appreciated, and work-life balance policies must be inclusive and supportive of their needs.
In conclusion, motherhood should not be seen as a hindrance to a woman’s professional career. It is an additional role that women undertake and overcome daily amid the challenges of life. To all the mothers out there juggling multiple roles, take courage from the example of “supermum” tennis players and strive to find a balance that allows you to succeed in all aspects of life.
<< photo by Christian Tenguan >>
