At age 31, Petra Rampre is playing some of the best tennis of her life. I had the chance to talk to Petra, a seasoned pro on the Ladies Tour, when she was in Kansas City for the Women’s Pro Tennis Classic.
How long have you been playing tennis?
Petra: I started playing tennis at 10 with my family and developed a love of the game. At 14, I moved to Germany by myself and then to the U.S. 13 years ago. I took every opportunity to play tennis and develop my game while spending 8 years in the Atlanta area and more recently in Florida.
What is your typical day like?
Petra: I have tennis practice twice a day at the Club Med Tennis Academy. I include weights as well as running and sprints for training. I follow Vipassana Meditation, where I focus on the connection between the mind and the body. It helps me both on and off the court. With any free time I have I like to go hiking (especially high altitude hikes), biking, basketball, swimming, and watching movies.
At tournaments my day is determined by when and how long my match is. I like to do fitness as well at tournaments. I hit balls for 2 to 3 hours then do 30 minutes of core and quick feet drills, and I jump rope. Then if I have a long match, I just cool down and do stretching. At 31 and playing consistently, I need to stretch often and get the occasional massage.
What is it like on the tour?
Petra: I like tournaments a lot. I am able to travel and have a chance to catch up with old friends (or rivals) and meet new ones. The hardest part is being alone. I don’t have a traveling coach with me. With no one for support and guidance it can be tough on and off the court. At some tournaments I am lucky enough to stay with a family; it is nice to live “a normal life” for a few days.
What is your proudest moment on tour?
Petra: Attending the Wimbledon awards ceremony in 1998. When I reached the junior doubles final, the Duke and Duchess of Kent were watching.
How have you kept going?
Petra: I am consistent with my practice and training routine. Tennis gives me freedom, the ability to travel to different places and it puts food on my table. I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for tennis.
What would you say to our aspiring juniors?
Petra: Be patient and persevere. Work on fitness because that is a great base. On court be positive, play in the moment. If you hit a bad shot let it go and move on. Never be content what’s “good enough.”
Any retirement plans?
Petra: No, not yet. 2011 has been a very good year, probably one of the best in last 15 years. I have been able to almost halve my ranking from 380 to 206. Highlights have been 2 wins, and I’ve been a finalist and a semifinalist. This year I was lucky enough to play in the US Open qualifying matches. I won my first match but lost the second, I was happy considering the last time I was playing in the US Open was 11 years ago.
Our season is long with 20-25 tournaments. It keeps us busy. Next year I am planning on going to the Australian Open qualifying matches and playing in more WTA events.
Thank you, Petra!
Thank you Petra for sharing your tennis experiences with us!! It was so nice to meet you last month!! The kids enjoyed the time on the court with you here in KC!!
We wish you all the Best and continued success on tour!! See you soon!!
Thanks so much for hitting with us Petra! It was great to meet you! Good luck in Australia and come back to see us!
We’re so glad you enjoyed hitting with Petra, Alena and Arlene. We’ll pass your well wishes and thanks to her.
Thank you so much for working and hitting with us!! It was so nice of you to share your experience and knowledge with us. Your advice on serving technique was so helpful. Good luck in your upcoming tournaments!! Please come back and visit!
Lauren glad you had fun hitting with Petra and that she helped you with your serve! We will pass your comments and thanks on to her.
It was great meeting you and playing doubles with you, Petra! I enjoyed the experience very much. Please come back and see us and I wish you the best of luck!
Hi Kate, Petra had so much fun playing doubles with you. We will forward your best wishes and thanks to her.
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Thank you for all the support. It was great to meet everyone. I have already improved on my ranking to 177! Look forward to seeing you next year.