How Rising Star Astra Sharma Is Preparing For The Australian Open

How Rising Star Astra Sharma Is Preparing For The Aus Open

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Want to be one of those smug types who knew all about so-and-so before they got big? Well, now's the time to get across (and behind) rising star Astra Sharma. Actually, you might already be jumping on the 24-year-old's rocketing talent a little too late. 2019 was a huge year for the Singapore-born, Western Australian who began ranked 231 in the world before peaking at 85 in June. She rounded off a successful year in the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open main draws, with a spot in Australia's Fed Cup team.

Now, Australia's number four is a wildcard entry to the 2020 Australian Open and we spoke to her in the lead up about her training regime, how she handles nerves and why napping is a key part of success.

How are you feeling physically and mentally in the lead up to the Australian Open?

I feel great both physically and mentally. I did a lot of work in the off season to get myself fit and healthy, it was an important time I think that sets the tone for the year.

Do you still get nervous before big events? How do you work on your mental strength?

Yes, I definitely still get nervous, I think it means a lot and so nerves would be normal. I do a lot of meditation, and I try and be really honest about my feelings and my actions so that I can cut through to the source of problems or positives. A big key for me is being really gentle with myself and accepting mistakes are part of a growth mindset.

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What does playing at the Australian Open mean to you?

It’s my favourite tournament. Playing at home in front of friends and family, it can’t get any better.

Do you have any pre-comp rituals?

Rituals not really. Life on the road gets really hectic and I don’t like being dependent on things that could change and disrupt me.

How did you get started in tennis? When did you realise you wanted to play professionally?

My parents played and used to take my brother and I to the courts when we were little, and we’d end up kicking around with each other. I only realised I wanted to play professionally around 16 or 17.

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What does a regular week of training look like for you?

So in my off season a regular weeks was four gym sessions, three to four conditioning sessions, two to four hours of play per day depending and one rest day at the end of the week.

What practices or habits outside of physical training help with your performance?

I put a big emphasis on my sleep. I know there’s a huge correlation to performance and recovery. So I try to sleep early and get lots naps in.

What does a regular day on a plate look like for you?

Breakfast will be toast and a spread of some sort, (vegemite, peanut butter..depends on what I’m feeling), with eggs, avocado if it’s available and some sort of yoghurt or milk. Lunch and dinner are really similar, a protein, vegetable and rice/ a pasta with salad.

Lauren Williamson

Lauren Williamson is the Digital Content Manager for Women's Health and Men's Health. She's an experienced journalist, editor and social media fiend who's well versed in reporting on everything from food trends to fitness, health news to haircare. She has a double degree in Journalism and Political Science.