Day one back on tour

The title might be a bit misleading because I consider the day I decided to train as a professional again as my true first day back. After being completely away from tennis for 15 months between 2022 and 2023, I’m incredibly grateful to be in Tunisia, testing both my skills and my competitive fire.

I’ll admit, I was also extremely nervous. The first day is always the hardest. Thirteen hours on planes, 21 hours of travel, and no physical training since Tuesday evening—it all adds up. I don’t usually feel anxious, but this morning was different. I had a strange urge to turn around and quit. I had to remind myself: “Ale, you just got here. Give it time until your first hit. You can’t leave now.”

So, I went to my morning practice, then another session in the evening, and slowly, the feelings of insecurity began to fade—a lot. Now, let me tell you a bit about Monastir, Tunisia, why I’m here, and what this place is all about.

Tunisia is located in North Africa between Algeria and Libya. Its capital, Tunis, is situated in the district of Carthage, a city with incredible historical significance for the Phoenicians, Romans, and Byzantines. I arrived in Tunis on the evening of September 19 and traveled two hours by car to my final destination: Monastir.

Monastir is a beach town along the Mediterranean coast, filled with resorts—it feels like Tunisia’s version of Cancun. This is where tennis players from around the globe come to earn their first ATP and WTA points. The competition is fierce; everyone here is talented, skilled, and has dedicated their life to tennis. And I’m here to do exactly the same. I’m here chasing my own world ranking.

I plan to be in Monastir for four weeks. I’m not sure what comes next, but all I know is tomorrow is a new day, and I’m feeling both grateful and fortunate.

-ALE