AJLA_TENNISCARD

Managing emotions is one of life's most difficult tasks. We all experience a gamut of feelings, often at the most inopportune times. And for all the perks of being famous, that class of people gets puts in the unfavorable position of experiencing all of their feelings in the public eye. It's unfortunately why many athletes in the tennis sphere keep their guards up—justifiably nervous and fearful of what they might reveal to adoring (or often not so adoring) fans.

But some people are just rooted in authenticity, comfortable in their own skin and unfazed by the outside noise as they navigate this thing called life. Ajla Tomljanovic is one of those athletes, a player who naturally shares her thoughts while embracing everything that makes her the tennis player she strives to be. The good, the bad, the off-court silliness: it's all there, and it's all Ajla.

Advertising

Tomljanovic joined the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast for the second time last week, nearly one year to the day of her first appearance on the program. At that time she was coming off of her first Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance, at Wimbledon, and was eager to make a push for a career-high ranking. Her tennis elevated her into the Top 40 for the first time in her singles career, but she felt the effects of driving that relentlessly towards a goal.

"I definitely didn't enjoy myself enough last year," the Australian lamented. "It just kind of clicked for me that I need to be happy and have fun. That's when I do my best in my career."

It was an honest answer from an honest person, as you'll see on the pod. Tomljanovic's 2022 did not start out with a ton of success on the court, but Ajla realized that heading back to the location of her greatest tennis success would be much-needed relief.

Wimbledon has become a home away from home for Tomljanovic.

Wimbledon has become a home away from home for Tomljanovic.

The 2022 Wimbledon Championships were unconventional to say the least. Yet the All England Club will always be a special place for Tomaljanovic, who was finally able to recognize how prestigious making the final eight competitors there is. She understood the task at hand, and defeated the well-rounded Jil Teichmann and French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova in the early rounds. When top seed Iga Swiatek was upset in dramatic fashion, suddenly all that was between Tomljanovic and a return to the quarterfinals was Alize Cornet—and some self-doubt that few athletes would cop to.

The Australian needed to prove to herself that she belonged, and she did just that in a classic contest that lasted over 2.5 hours. She drew inspiration from within, but also from tennis royalty in her friend & mentor Chris Evert.

"She's always the one to give me all encouragement, but also keep me hungry for more," Tomljanovic stated about the 18-time major champion. "She was very proud of me, but I just love that she always keeps my head where it should be."

Advertising

Despite losing to the eventual Wimbledon champion for the second consecutive year, Tomljanovic proved that her success in this tournament was no fluke. And in another moment of relatability, she proved that even celebrities go through family dramas like the rest of us. After winning her second-round match, it wasn't all celebrations on the home front.

"My dad goes, 'Oh Ajla, I have some bad news.' And I knew as soon as he said that." The Tomljanovic family had already checked out of their hotel, and now had to rush to find new lodging in a city jam-packed with tennis crazed people. Her father, Ratko, was able to take care of it. Well, almost.

"Then he had to extend it every time I won because he would get it for just two more days," his daughter recalled in disbelief.

It's a good story, but one that Ajla Tomljanovic ensured will not have a sequel in her post-tournament debriefings with dad.

"I don't care how you do it, I'm staying in this hotel till the end. Even if I have to stay with a stranger, I'm not moving."

Ajla and Radko—not talking about hotels.

Ajla and Radko—not talking about hotels.

Advertising

The conversation covers the entire length of the spectrum, from Tomljanovic's eagerness to build off of her Wimbledon success on the summer hard courts, to embracing the star role of this season's My Tennis Life digital program. Getting to showcase her interests, her personality, and her family from all angles is something the 29-year old looks forward to each week. From singing the karaoke songs with the highest degree of difficulty, to—almost literally—dragging her sister to the gym, Tomljanovic thoroughly enjoys being featured on the weekly show.

We know that all tennis journeys have peaks, valleys, and plot twists. There's no predicting what will happen, but we do know how Ajla Tomljanovic will deal with the ride. By being unapologetically herself, of course.