My Tennis Life: Gibbs makes return to the court

Sam Groth and Nicole Gibbs are giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional tennis all year long in My Tennis Life. To read more updates from Sam and Nicole, go to tennischannel.com.

Hey guys! Checking in this week with more good news to report. I’m back on the court and with no pain! I practiced daily this week on the clay and feel like I’m seeing the ball quite well despite the time off. It’s incredible how giving your body time to repair can make you feel like a whole new athlete and player. If nothing else, I’ve learned from this break that my body is everything to me and that I can’t take it for granted. I intend to continue my disciplined eating, training volume management, and sleep monitoring as I make my way back on tour.

As of now, I am planning to make my return to tour the week of May 8 in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, France for an ITF Pro Circuit $100,000. I’ve played there once before and really enjoyed the quaint, coastal town. Cagnes-Sur-Mer is an easy Uber ride from Nice and a short train ride from Monte Carlo, so I know that I will have lots to do and see when I’m not on the courts.

I’m actually really looking forward to the clay this year—not something you would have heard me say in the past. With a fresh body and mind, I find myself looking forward to the physical and mental challenges posed by the slippery surface.

While I’m looking forward to getting back to competition, it also bears noting that I’ve really enjoyed my time at home. For the first time in a long time, I feel centered around a home, a time zone, and a community. While I know that I’ll be back to the jet setting lifestyle in short order, this hiatus has served as a good reminder of how important balance and rest can be. I feel leagues happier and healthier than just a few weeks ago when I was returning from Miami in pain, dejected, and tired from travel.

I will be well served to consider rest and time at home as a priority in my scheduling moving forward. This coming week will look much like my last, but with more hours on court. I will continue to listen to my body and tailor my training to my health, eat well, and prioritize sleep and recovery. But I will also begin to move into a competitive mind space—incorporating point play into practice by mid-week.

With any luck, I’ll be writing next week with imminent plans to take off for France, but until then, I’ll savor the time that I still have at home.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at filming for My Tennis Life.