Anna-Lena Friedsam is back in double digits - and is looking forward to Brazil
For the sixth time, Anna-Lena Friedsam will be part of Porsche Team Germany when they face Brazil in the Billie Jean King Cup in Stuttgart. After two serious shoulder injuries, the 29-year-old from Neuwied made it back into the top 100 in mid-March. In an interview, she reveals how she fought her way back...
by p.m
last edit:
Apr 04, 2023, 03:19 pm
You recently hit the magic mark - you're back in the top 100. How did that feel? And what does that mean for you?
I'm really proud because I know how tough the last few years have been. After two major injuries, my goal was to get back there. At the same time, I noticed that you shouldn't put too much stock in the ranking. If I enjoy the sport and work on developing my tennis from week to week, then the rest comes automatically.
You write on your Instagram channel: "It wasn't the easiest way, but the right one." Can you describe this way?
In 2016 I had my first shoulder surgery. At that time I was ranked 45th in the world. It was a very hard time because I could hardly move my arm. A few months after my return, I had problems again and had another operation. I wasn't satisfied with my coaching staff at the time either, and I've been looking for a coach with whom the chemistry is right for a long time. That's why I was traveling alone a lot during the Corona period, which was really hard. Things didn't go well at tournaments and I slipped completely, was around 250. A year ago I met my current coach (Patrice Hopfe, editor's note). He built me up, gave me peace and we trained well. Since last summer I've noticed that I'm slowly getting back to my old level.
All this time I realized that tennis means a lot to me. And I always knew there was more to come. That kept me going...
You have been a regular part of Porsche Team Germany since 2018. In November you had your solo debut in Croatia – which you confidently won. If you look back, what memories do you have of it?
Only positive. I played very well and brought the match through confidently. That's how I scored the decisive point, so that we were ultimately the winners as a team. Those were great emotions. I was looking forward to this moment because I know I can do it and I'm a good player.
The game in Stuttgart is your first home game in the Billie Jean King Cup. How do you see the matches against Brazil?
With anticipation: I think we are a good team and stick together when it matters. Of course I'm hoping for a lot of spectators, a great atmosphere - and that we can deliver good matches. Of course, the tension is a little higher, at home you want to deliver particularly well. But you have to ignore that and absorb the energy that you get from the spectators and the team.
Life on the WTA Tour, where you sometimes travel alone, and the team time at the Billie Jean King Cup are very different. What do you like more?
The weeks with the team always do me good. The fun factor is great - there is a lot to laugh about in the group. Thanks to our support team, we are not only well looked after, but also have more people to talk to.
But I'm now on tour with a really great team, which I'm very happy about. So I think both are great.
Normally you train with your tour coach Patrice Hopfe. Rainer Schüttler takes on the role at the Billie Jean King Cup. How's that for you?
Training with Rainer is an enrichment. He's been through so much and knows how we feel before a match. I draw on him and his experiences. Rainer was also at the Miami Open, where I trained with both coaches.
How close is your relationship with the other players in the team – are you in regular contact?
This is the second time we're playing with the same cast. We are in regular contact via our WhatsApp group – there is always a lot to laugh about. We just get along well, even though we're quite different. Everyone contributes their part to the team.
Let's take a look into the future: What goals have you set yourself?
I'm at a point where I don't set any limits to the top. But I also know that things can quickly go in the other direction – I've seen everything in that regard. So I'm just happy about all the good matches I play. I try to focus on having fun with tennis and to constantly develop myself further - without any upward limits.