#TennisInspiration

[missblissylondion]

Rachael Stuhlmann is a rising star in the world of professional tennis. Born in California in 1996, she began playing tennis at a young age and quickly fell in love with the sport. With her fierce determination, incredible athleticism, and undeniable talent, Rachael has become a force to be reckoned with on the court.

One of Rachael's greatest strengths is her powerful serve, which has been known to clock in at over 120 miles per hour. She also has an impressive backhand and forehand, and her footwork is second to none. But what really sets Rachael apart is her mental toughness and ability to stay focused under pressure. She is a true competitor and never gives up, no matter how tough the match.

Off the court, Rachael is just as impressive. She is a role model for young women everywhere, showing them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She is also an advocate for equality in sports, fighting to ensure that female athletes are given the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

But there's no denying that Rachael's beauty is also part of her appeal. With her stunning looks and toned physique, she has become a favorite of tennis fans around the world. Whether she's on the court in her signature tennis whites or off the court in casual attire, Rachael always looks effortlessly chic and stylish.

As Rachael's star continues to rise, there's no doubt that she will inspire many more young women to pursue their dreams and push themselves to be the best they can be – both on and off the court

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I am decidedly unfriendly during a golf game, from the first hole to the last.

- Rafael Nadal

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Lucy Shuker -Tennis Inspiration

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              By Jessica Popiol

J.P  Hi Lucy . Can You tell  us your life story and how did you fall in love with tennis?

L.S  I grew up as a typical able bodied sporty individual, enjoying many sports, however I was a particularly keen horse rider and represented my county at National tournaments in badminton.              

Continuing my education to University, I achieved a BSc in the Science and Management of Exercise and Health from the University of Surrey. Immediately after completing my degree, I took up a job in sales and with my first pay packet I indulged my longstanding love of motor cycles, by taking my direct motorbike license and buying a bike. 

After 12 days and over 1,000 miles I was involved in an accident which totally changed my life and left me paralyzed from the chest down. I went on to spend 10 months in rehabilitation at Salisbury Spinal Unit and it was during this time and whilst buying my first wheelchair that I met former Paralympian and Quad Wheelchair Tennis World No.1 Pete Norfolk.  Understanding my previous success in racket sports, Pete encouraged me to try Wheelchair Tennis, even lending me a chair to get me started and I completely fell in love with the sport.

Following my accident it gave me a focus and an opportunity to reinvent myself following my life changing experience. Despite many suggesting my disability too profound to enable me to compete successfully on the world tour I have gone on to win over 25 Singles and 55 Doubles titles and I am extremely proud to have represented Great Britain at three successive Paralympics, twice winning bronze in the women’s doubles.

I am now fully focused on achieving qualification for Tokyo and representing Great Britain at a Paralympic Games for a fourth consecutive time. 

J.P  What is your best ever moment in your tennis career?

L.S Undoubtedly my proudest moment to date would be winning my first Bronze medal at the London 2012 Paralympics at a home games in front of a sell out stadium. It was also a great moment for Jordanne and I as we were the first women to ever win a Paralympic medal in Wheelchair Tennis. 

J.P  How do you prepare for tournaments?

L.S I am a full time athlete and therefore when I am home my life revolves around training and preparation for the next tournament, which may include on court, strength and conditioning, nutrition, basically everything I do is geared around being the best version of me that I can in order to perform at tournaments.

J.P  Do you have any superstitions? For example I always try to not use the ball that I just double faulted with  to play next point (laugh)L.S  In general I don't particularly have any superstitions, however there are some trainers that I definitely don't wear for tournaments anymore and I have been know to request the same ball back during a match when things are going well!J.P  What is the biggest challenge in wheelchair tennis if someone who is reading it would love to try it , and how to overcome it?L.S  The biggest challenge without a doubt for me was learning to hold the racket and move the chair at the same time. This took a lot of time to master and you never ever stop working on improving your movement around the court.  J.P  Can You  tell us about rules in wheelchair tennis?L.S There is only one rule change in wheelchair tennis compared to the able bodied game, apart from the obvious that players must play in a wheelchair and that is that we are allowed two bounces of the ball. We use the same size court, same net height, same balls and same rackets. This for me is one of the greatest appeals of the game as it is so easy to play with anyone and alongside able bodied friends as well, which is something I really enjoyed when I first took up the sport. 

J.P  What are the biggest challenges and how they can be resolved and helped for wheelchair tennis?

L.S  I would say that one of the biggest challenges initially is being able to fund a tennis/ sports wheelchair, however there are a lot of charities and funding pots out there to help people who want to take up the sport. The 'Tennis Foundation' has lots of pathways in place to help anyone wanting to take up various forms of tennis from blind, death and wheelchair tennis. 

J.P  What are your goals in professional tennis?

L.S  I am lucky to have already won two Bronze medals however of course I would love to win Gold in Tokyo and a Grand Slam would be a dream come true. I absolutely love the sport, I love the training and the competition and I think like all players I am not only striving to be the best that I can be but to win titles, Grand Slams and Paralympic medals.

 J.P  How would you motivate kids and adults out there to give it a try and start playing tennis?

L.S  Tennis is a fantastically inclusive and social sport. No matter whether you are able bodied or have a disability you can all play together and that is the beauty of the sport and something I really love about the game. Tennis has given me so many fantastic memories and I have been lucky enough to meet so many new friends along the way.

J.P  Where our readers can find you and follow your tennis journey?

L.S  You can keep up to date with what I am doing via my website and social media channels. My website is www.lucyshuker.com and you can follow my journey on Facebook : lucyshukertennis and Twitter/Instagram: @lucy_shuker .

Thank You Lucy

Pictures: Anna Vasalaki

www.Tennismessage.com

[todayastomorrowasyesterday]

We will rather focus on the geometry and the colors of the field 👉🏻 #tennisinspiration • • • • • • #monocromatic #petrol #pantoneinspiration #geometricdesign #photography #geometricphotography #tennisfield #designinspiration #dailyinspirations #moodboard #colourpalette #sportinspiration #sportdesign #whitestripes (at London, United Kingdom)

[newsfind]

Tennis-Inspired Chocolate Bundles - Sugarpova Launched a Chocolate Love Bundle for Father's Day (TrendHunter.com)

Tennis-Inspired Chocolate Bundles – Sugarpova Launched a Chocolate Love Bundle for Father's Day (TrendHunter.com)

(TrendHunter.com) With Father’s Day around the corner, Sugarpova — the renowned confectionery brand, founded by famous Russian player Maria Sharapova — recently expanded its portfolio with the introduction…

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I am a guy who likes to do what I am doing with passion, whether it's a soccer match with friends or golf.

- Rafael Nadal

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It's hard to say, 'I don't believe in God.' I would love to know if God exists. But it's a very difficult thing for me to believe.

- Rafael Nadal

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I'm ambidextrous when I eat. But playing tennis right-handed - I can't do it. I'm clueless

- Rafael Nadal

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My goal is to improve my game, stay healthy and be competitive. If I have that, I know I can be able to win tournaments, which in the end is what it counts.

- Rafael Nadal

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I'm only superstitious on the tennis court.

- Rafael Nadal

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I normally listen to Spanish music - well, Latin music. I like a lot of singers.

- Rafael Nadal

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I am happy with being a tennis player and the choice I took when I was 12. But clearly, if I wouldn't have been a tennis player, I would have loved to be a soccer player. But again, I am happy with the choice I made.

- Rafael Nadal

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New York is a special place; it's a city that I love.

- Rafael Nadal

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I am very lucky because when I come back home, I have a completely normal life. I can relax, play golf, fish - do what I want. I know when I finish a tournament, I am going to relax at home.

- Rafael Nadal

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My parents' divorce made an important change in my life. It affected me.

- Rafael Nadal

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I started to travel like this at the age of 15 so for me, it's normal. Some days you get tired and you feel, 'I want to stay at home a little bit more,' but it's only the moment.

- Rafael Nadal