Growing up in a family of athletes, my introduction to sports was practically a birthright. My parents, both college athletes, made sure to expose me to a variety of sports in the hope that I would follow in their athletic footsteps. Tennis wasn’t an obvious choice for me, as no one in our family had ever played it. I vividly recall the summer camp where I first picked up a tennis racket at the tender age of six. To be honest, I wasn’t thrilled at the time – I’d have much preferred chatting with my friends rather than sweating it out on the court. Despite my initial reluctance, I continued to dabble in other sports. But, something changed when I turned 13; I made a conscious decision to focus on tennis. Not necessarily because I loved it more than other sports, but because I loved winning.
My childhood was closely intertwined with tennis. Most of my friends were fellow players, and we practically grew up on the courts of the Mouratoglou Academy. A typical day for me involved six days of practice, each session spanning four to five hours. I’d usually kick off practice around 9 AM, sandwiched between my school hours, with the avoidance of the scorching Florida midday sun in mind.
What I cherish most about tennis is the solitary experience it offers. I’m not particularly fond of being told what to do, and on the tennis court, I get to call the shots. It’s a realm where I make my decisions, quite distinct from team sports where I have to adhere to someone else’s directives. However, there are moments when I do get to experience the team dynamic, such as in the Fed Cup, where the USA faces off against other nations. It’s like having the best of both worlds.
While I have a passion for tennis, I also have another interest – beauty. Specifically, makeup and nails. I find great joy in experimenting with makeup and nail art. My hair is usually in braids; not only do I like how it looks, but it’s also a practical choice, especially in the Florida heat where my sweat can be quite unforgiving to my hair. Braids keep things manageable, and I don’t have to carry an arsenal of hair products while traveling.
When it comes to the bigger tournaments, the grand slams, I take nail art to the next level. From diamonds at Wimbledon to ombré at the US Open, and now neon designs, my nails have become a canvas for self-expression. I’ve been fortunate not to break a nail during a match, but even if I did, I’d simply trim them down. So far, so good.
My love for makeup is deep-rooted; I’ve been watching makeup tutorials for as long as I can remember. My mom allowed me to buy my first mascara when I was 12, and from there, there was no turning back. I begged for more and more makeup, but my mom’s condition was that I learn to apply it properly. YouTube tutorials from makeup artists like Jackie Aina, Alissa Ashley, and Patrick Starrr became my mentors.
Healthy eating is another one of my passions. I’ve noticed that my skin reacts to junk food with breakouts, so that’s a motivation to stick to a healthy diet. As for skincare, I keep it simple with Cetaphil face wash, Neutrogena moisturizer, and a daily spritz of Glossier face mist. Sunscreen, like Neutrogena Sport, is a non-negotiable part of my routine, especially when the Florida sun is unforgiving.
I have an aversion to being sweaty, so as soon as I return home from practice, I hop in the shower. I often end my shower with a blast of cold water, which is incredibly refreshing, especially in the sweltering heat. Ice baths are a part of my routine too; they’re not the most comfortable, but the benefits they provide for my muscles make it worthwhile. Stretching is vital, and massages, while relaxing, also serve to rejuvenate my body. So, that’s a glimpse into my world – where tennis, beauty, and self-care come together in a harmonious balance.