Hey Reddit, I need to vent a little. I’ve been thinking a lot about where women’s tennis is right now, and I’m honestly feeling a little conflicted. As a pro player, the pressure to be both an athlete and a public figure is something I’ve always dealt with—but lately, it feels like there’s just so much more on our shoulders than ever before.

On one hand, we have incredible young talents like Coco Gauff and Iga Świątek shaking up the rankings and bringing so much energy to the game. I’m so proud of them and what they represent for the future of women’s tennis. But on the other hand, it feels like we’ve all been thrust into this intense spotlight where we’re not just expected to perform, but to also be role models, advocates, and social media influencers—all at once. 😓

As a female athlete, there’s this constant balancing act between wanting to be taken seriously for your skills on the court, but also constantly being critiqued for how you look, what you wear, how you talk, and who you’re dating (if you’re even allowed to have a life outside of tennis). It’s exhausting. And sometimes it feels like the media and the public only care about the drama and the off-court stuff, rather than celebrating the hard work we put into our training, our mental toughness, and our dedication to the game.

I’m especially thinking about how Serena Williams’ retirement has left a massive void, and now there’s this feeling like the next generation of female players has to fill her shoes and be everything she represented. It’s a lot of pressure to carry, and I don’t think the conversation around women’s tennis has evolved in a way that truly supports that. Yes, we’re getting more recognition, but we still have to fight to have our accomplishments be as celebrated as the men’s game. Sometimes it feels like we're not just competing against other players, but against outdated expectations of what a female athlete should be.

I’m not complaining. I love the game. But it can be hard not to feel torn when you know the eyes of the world are on you for all the wrong reasons at times. Like when I step on the court, I want to be known for my game, not for my personal life, or whether I’m “pretty enough” to be the face of the sport. 😔

Anyone else feeling this, especially the women in the sport? How do you manage the pressure of trying to prove yourself in a space that’s still figuring out how to treat female athletes with the same respect as men? I’ve been seeing a lot of progress, but there’s still a long way to go, and I think it’s important we talk about it more.

Would love to hear from other pro players, fans, or anyone who’s had to navigate the challenges of being a female athlete in the public eye.