Croft discusses sacrifices of tennis players and their social lives
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 2:50 PM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Annabel Croft, writing for BBC Sport, highlights the challenges tennis players face in maintaining a normal social life due to the rivalry among peers. She notes that this competitive environment can restrict friendships and take a toll on players' general happiness. Croft emphasizes that many players often rediscover their identity after retiring, which allows them to explore who they are outside of their tennis careers. Her insights shed light on the personal sacrifices made for success in the sport.
- •Croft states it is 'impossible for tennis players to have a normal social life'
- •Rivalry among peers limits friendships and impacts happiness
- •Players often rediscover themselves after retiring from tennis
- •Croft's comments highlight the pressures of professional tennis
- 2:50 PMBBC Sport — The cost of perfection - Croft on the sacrifices of tennis players
"BBC Sport's Annabel Croft says it is "impossible for tennis players to have a normal social life" because viewing peers as rivals restricts friendships and affects general happiness. Croft explains how tennis players often discover themselves after retirement, as they can figure out who they are away from court.
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