Rachel Cruickshank, our Head of High Performance at Rideau Sports Centre, is about to hit the courts in Lisbon, Portugal for the ITF World Team Championship from August 4-9. Rachel’s journey to this point has been nothing short of inspiring, marked by a passion for tennis that led her to transition from soccer fields to the world of high-performance tennis.

A Tennis Journey That Began With a Twist

Rachel’s love affair with tennis didn’t start traditionally. She dabbled in tennis camps as a child but was initially more serious about soccer. It wasn’t until the age of 13 that she found herself captivated by the challenges of tennis. “I became obsessed with the challenge of tennis and quit everything to do just that,” she recalls. The switch required immense dedication, as Rachel had to work tirelessly to catch up to her peers in the high-performance program.

Gearing Up for the Big Stage

Preparation for the ITF Masters World Team Championship has been a mix of practice matches and maintaining peak physical fitness. Rachel’s approach is straightforward: “I’ve been trying to hit and play practice matches when I can, also focusing on fitness to try and stay healthy for the event.”

Wearing the Maple Leaf with Pride

Competing for Team Canada holds a special place in Rachel’s heart. “You feel like you are playing for more, you are not only representing yourself but your country as well,” she shares. The sense of pride and honor that comes with wearing the Canadian colors is a significant motivator for her, making each match an opportunity to shine not just for herself but for the nation.

Looking Forward to Portugal

Beyond the competitive aspect, Rachel is excited to immerse herself in the experience of the tournament. The camaraderie with her teammates and the chance to cheer them on is another highlight she eagerly anticipates. As for her competition, she relishes the opportunity to face off against top players from around the world. Reflecting on a memorable match against a former top WTA player from Slovakia last year, Rachel appreciates the high level of competition and the chance to test her skills against the best.

Facing Challenges and Staying Focused

One of the challenges Rachel expects to encounter in Portugal is the wind. “It is so windy in Portugal,” she notes, adding that while the heat can be intense, she prefers it over battling the wind. Mentally, she stays grounded by focusing on the support of her teammates, which she finds incredibly comforting and motivating during high-stakes matches.

A Strong Support System and Personal Drive

While Rachel credits herself as her biggest supporter, she acknowledges the invaluable support from her friends, family, and the RSC community.

Setting Goals and Offering Wisdom

Looking ahead, the Team aims for a top 10 finish at the tournament. Rachel’s long-term aspiration is simple yet profound: to stay healthy and play tennis for as long as possible.

For aspiring female tennis players, Rachel’s advice is clear: “Embrace the battle and don’t have any expectations; just go in and enter the battle. To me, that is already a win in itself.”

As Rachel Cruickshank heads to Portugal, we at RSC are cheering her on, proud of her journey and excited to see her compete on the world stage. Good luck, Rachel!