Erin Routliffe’s journey to becoming a professional doubles tennis player is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Born on a sailboat in Auckland while her parents were on an around-the-world adventure, Routliffe’s early life was marked by a sense of freedom and adaptability that has stayed with her to this day. As she prepares to take on the world’s top doubles teams, Routliffe is open about the unique challenges she faces, from the physical and mental demands of the sport to the often-lonely nature of her profession.
First Section: The Unpredictable Life of a Doubles Player
Routliffe’s experiences on the court are a far cry from the structured, routine-driven lives of many of her singles-playing peers. Doubles tennis is a high-speed, high-stakes game that requires precision, strategy, and a deep understanding of one’s partner. It’s a world where communication is key, and mistakes can be costly. ‘I’ve learned to live with a certain level of uncertainty,’ Routliffe says, ‘because that’s just what doubles is – unpredictable.’
For Routliffe, the unpredictability of doubles is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it keeps her on her toes and pushes her to adapt quickly to new situations. On the other, it can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly when she’s competing against teams with more experience and chemistry. ‘It’s a lot of pressure,’ she admits, ‘but it’s also what makes doubles so exciting.’
Second Section: The Lonely Life of a Professional Athlete
One of the most surprising aspects of Routliffe’s story is the way she navigates the often-lonely nature of professional sports. As a doubles player, she spends most of her time on the road, traveling from tournament to tournament with her partner and a small team of support staff. While this lifestyle has its perks – from the opportunity to see new places to the chance to train with top coaches – it can also be isolating and lonely. ‘I’ve learned to appreciate the quiet moments,’ Routliffe says, ‘because that’s when I can really think and reflect.’
For Routliffe, the key to coping with loneliness is to stay connected with loved ones back home. She makes a point to schedule regular video calls with her family and close friends, and she’s also joined a few online communities for professional athletes who share similar experiences. ‘It’s amazing how much of a difference it can make just to have someone to talk to,’ she says. ‘It’s not the same as being there in person, but it’s better than nothing.’
Third Section: The Power of Partnership
Despite the challenges she faces, Routliffe is quick to emphasize the importance of partnership in her life and career. As a doubles player, she’s learned to rely on her partner and trust in her instincts, even in the most high-pressure situations. This partnership extends beyond the court, too – Routliffe has formed close bonds with her doubles partners, coaches, and support staff, all of whom play a vital role in her success. ‘It’s a team effort,’ she says, ‘and I’m grateful to have such a wonderful team behind me.’
As Routliffe looks to the future, she’s excited to see where her partnership with her doubles partner will take her. With a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a deep understanding of the demands of her sport, she’s well-equipped to overcome any obstacle that comes her way. And as she takes on the world’s top doubles teams, she’ll do it with the same sense of freedom and adaptability that has defined her life from the very beginning.
