An interview with @Conny_Perrin from ITF Glasgow
Niall Clarke, Tennis Atlantic

During my time in Glasgow I met and caught up with our own Conny Perrin. I managed to get her thoughts on a few things including her career, ambitions and influences.

WTA Professional Conny Perrin

How are you enjoying your stay in Glasgow so far?
“It’s my third time here, so I have already been here before.  I really like the venue, it’s near the hotel and the city, so you can do lots of things outside of tennis and find ways to have fun. Also the organisation is really good, so I am very happy to be back here.”

What would you say is your career highlight thus far?
“I played a few years a go in Birmingham at WTA level. It was my first time on grass, so I didn’t expect much, but I qualified for the main draw. It was very nice to be there and take part. Other moments I would say when you have important matches and win, but I enjoy every part of tennis so I am really happy.”

What is your main goal for the 2015 season?
“My goal is to play at Roland Garros and make qualification there. I am currently ranked around 270, and need to be around 210, so that’s the goal I focus on at the moment with my team. My long term aim is to make the top 100 at some point however.”

I read that you idolise Stan Wawrinka. Can you explain how he has influenced you so far?
” He is a very hard worker and very dedicated, so for me he’s a great inspiration and a great player to watch.”

So how did you feel when he won the Australian Open in 2014?
“I was so happy for him, and how hard he has worked it’s such a great feeling. He deserved to win it.”

What other players have you taken inspiration from?
“I love Serena Williams. In every way as a player and person, she is very impressive and strong. So definitely Serena.”

Do you prefer to play singles or doubles?
“I love singles, because you have to find a way by yourself. I love to compete and finding a way to win, so it’s an amazing feeling as a player. I also really love doubles when you find the right partner, because you can have fun and you are not alone all the time, so it’s a great mix to play both.”

What areas of your game would you like to improve the most?
“I actually have a pretty complete game, sometimes it’s difficult to pick a specific area. But I can improve everywhere in my game, and my team are working very hard on that because there are always areas you can improve.”

How are you finding writing your blogs for Tennis Atlantic?
“It is really interesting, because I also like to write. It’s great to share my experiences with people, because many don’t understand what life on tour is like for someone in my position. I also like to write for myself, because I think about stuff I won’t think normally, so it’s great to get it down and make things clearer to myself too.”

Any thoughts on the recent Australian Open tournament?
“For the women’s final, it was amazing to see Serena win again. She is so strong mentally and physically, so she is really tough to compete against her. Maria played a great match, because she hung in there and tried her best, but Serena was just too strong in the end.

For the men’s, I really like Novak Djokovic as he’s good player and personality for the sport. But personally I would have liked to see Andy Murray win because of his partnership with Amelie Mauresmo. They have been working hard, so I think Andy would have deserved it. There aren’t many women coaches on tour, so it’s nice to see women can do a great job too. As for the match itself, I feel the first two sets were very good, but Djokovic is just a step better and he was better physically and mentally, so he deserved it.”

Thank you again to Conny for participating in this wonderful interview with our on site journalist in Glasgow, Niall Clarke!