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From Junior Success to New Beginnings: The Journey of Ward-Hibbert

Throughout his international tennis career, Ward-Hibbert forged deep friendships while competing on various stages around the globe. His crowning achievement came in 2012 when he partnered with Liam Broady to clinch the Australian Open junior doubles title, marking a significant milestone in his early career.

Transitioning to the professional circuit, Ward-Hibbert enjoyed a rewarding tenure, securing one singles title along with an impressive 13 doubles titles on the ITF Futures circuit. This included five titles with Broady and four alongside Lloyd Glasspool, who has since established himself as a prominent figure in the ATP doubles scene.

Despite these accomplishments, Ward-Hibbert faced challenges in advancing his career. At the age of 22, he made the pivotal decision to pause his professional journey and enroll at Loughborough University to pursue further education.

Reflecting on this choice, he mentioned, “There were a few things that happened in my personal life, and I had a little injury that kept recurring and was not going away how I wanted it to.” He acknowledged that these factors contributed to a critical turning point in his life.

Ward-Hibbert elaborated on the intense demands of professional tennis, stating, “Tennis is a super-tough sport, physically and mentally. You are always travelling, constantly living out of a suitcase. No matter where it is, you’ve got to live it. It’s difficult; it’s very much a lifestyle that consumes 45 to 50 weeks of the year.”

Nonetheless, Ward-Hibbert reflects positively on his tennis experiences. “It is an amazing sport. There were so many highs; it taught me so much as a person. The journey I had shaped who I am today,” he remarked. Although he expresses a desire to have reached the pinnacle of the sport, he acknowledges that his path took a different direction.

Importantly, Ward-Hibbert cherishes the memories of winning a Grand Slam title with a close friend—a moment he considers unforgettable and a testament to the bonds forged through sport. “I’m definitely glad I had that journey,” he concluded, emphasizing the profound impact his tennis career has had on his life.

Source
www.bbc.com