Tennis: “I had bulimic attacks,” Caroline Garcia admits on social media.

There is often a turbulent story behind a player’s coronation. Caroline Garcia doesn’t follow the rules. WTA Masters title, US Open semi-finalist, three other tournament titles, the season of the new world number 4 has something beautiful, but it also hides very different truths that the Lyons did not hesitate to assume in a message posted on social networks: “Dear 2022 , you made me go through all states, all emotions. I cried from pain, sadness and joy for 11 months. »

The 29-year-old then speaks behind the scenes of a very difficult season: “I had sleepless nights, bulimic attacks. I cried in my hotel room, I cried on the tennis courts. To fully understand his words, we must go back. At the beginning of January, Caroline Garcia is ranked 74th in the world. After being eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open, she surrendered in Miami and was out of the game for several weeks. Difficult period for Liones: “I suffered physically and mentally. (…) I was on crutches. I swore. I learned to walk again. I struggled to put on my shoes. (…) I questioned the universe, told myself that maybe my luck had run out and that I would never succeed again. »

Pizza and champagne bottles

However, according to Caroline Garcia, it’s certainly a blessing in disguise: “My leg injury made me realize how much I want to get back on the courts and, above all, play my real game. (…) This injury allowed me to play more. released. “Which changed his state of mind on the court in many ways. “I liked getting into the net, making the winning shots, throwing volleys, throwing aces, recovering stolen balls,” she admits.

Through out-of-sport disputes due to the unexpected departure of her coach and incessant questions about the role of her father, the world No. 4 has re-learned to capitalize on those close to her. “I invited my friends to the tournament, I realized that this exchange is so important to me. I got to know myself better, ”says the transformed Caroline Garcia. Enjoying her loved ones as well as life, Lyonnaise creates a desire for “pizza”, “bottles of champagne”, “white and gold lattes” that can be tasted “all over the world”.

This season’s assessment: “In the end, I liked it,” admits the French No. 1. Garcia also suggests that she can “improve” her game even more, enough to spur ambitions for next year. The first big meeting on the WTA calendar, the Australian Open since mid-January.