Conny Perrin's Journey from Wall Practice to Tennis Premier League

Playing in the Tennis Premier League, Conny Perrin has been enjoying her stint in the league and a team format.

In an exclusive interview with The Bridge, Perrin, who currently holds a 685 WTA Singles Ranking, shares her experiences with the Tennis Premier League and her journey in the sport.

Conny Perrin's journey into tennis started unusually. While on vacation with her parents, she picked up a racket and began hitting against a wall. "I just picked up the racket and enjoyed it," she recalls. "When I went back home, I kept telling my parents I wanted to play tennis."

Her passion for the sport grew over time, inspired by Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer. "He was such a big star, and being from Switzerland, I always looked up to him," she shares.

In 2019, Perrin achieved a significant milestone when she represented Switzerland in international tennis.

"Representing my country was a special moment for me, and it’s something I will always remember," she says.

Her early days of playing for hours against the wall left a big impact on her. "I remember how happy I was just picking up my racket. I could spend hours playing, and my mom would sometimes have to call me to stop," she adds.

Now as a professional player, Perrin values her experience in the Tennis Premier League. "It’s nice to play in a team," she explains, noting that tennis is often an individual sport. "Being around teammates and sharing experiences adds something special."

Discussing the role of teamwork in the league, Perrin adds, "We all get along well, and I think that helps us perform better as a team."

Throughout her career, Perrin has experienced some unforgettable moments at Grand Slam events like Roland Garros, the US Open, and the Australian Open.

"Those are the matches you remember. Competing at the Grand Slams is a big part of why I play tennis," she says. One of her most challenging moments came during the final round of qualifying at Roland Garros. "It took a lot of hard work, training, and determination to get there, and I’m very proud of that accomplishment," she reflects.

While playing in the Tennis Premier League she further expressed. "It’s a team environment, and we support each other,". She adds that preparing and warming up with teammates before matches creates a strong sense of unity, which makes the Tennis Premier League different from individual tournaments.

Perrin believes the Tennis Premier League can motivate younger players and link grassroots tennis to the professional level.

"Seeing big stars like Rohan Bopanna playing in the league inspires younger players and encourages them to pursue the sport," she explains.

When talking about playing in Mumbai, she expresses excitement about the city.

"I’m looking forward to playing here. The city and tennis environment are great," she says.

Apart from tennis, Perrin's hobby is to hike in Switzerland’s mountains. "It’s a way to connect with nature, and it gives me energy," she shares. Hiking allows her to recharge mentally, and it has impacted on her tennis career by staying focused.

Perrin also shares her pre-match rituals, saying she uses music to prepare. "It’s a part of my pre-match ritual," she expressed.

Perrin's advice to young players aspiring to go professional is simple and crisp: "Always remember to enjoy the sport, no matter what," she says.

She further emphasized that finding joy in playing is as important as hard work and determination in achieving success.