Ellen Perez is set to make her second Olympic appearance next week at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The 28-year-old made her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, where she was selected to partner with Sam Stosur in the women’s doubles event. This year, Perez will compete in the doubles event again, but with close friend Daria Saville.
“Doubles is especially important to have a good relationship and good communication with the person you’re playing with, and the fact Dasha and I have both of those covered makes us a great duo,” Perez explained.
“We have played a few times together and always done well. I think the fact we get along so well and know our roles on the court is an important part to it.
“There would be nothing more special than to play alongside someone like Dasha and to do well. It’s moments like these that the both of us will always be able to look back on together and cherish.
“It’s exciting times coming up,” she said.
As she gears up for her second Olympic Games, we were fortunate enough to catch up with Perez and hear how she is feeling about the Olympics and her off-court plans in Paris.
Were the Olympics special to you as a kid and was it ever a goal?
Olympics were always special to me when young. I remember my family would watch it on television and you would learn about it at school that these were the best athletes in the world and I always wanted to grow up and be just like them because I loved sports.
When did the idea of becoming an Olympian seem achievable?
In 2019 as Tokyo was approaching I realized I had a chance to potentially make the team as we had Ash Barty and Sam Stosur at the top of the doubles game and myself and Storm Hunter were both doing decently well in doubles. At the time I was maybe around 50 in the world but wasn’t sure the qualification criteria but knew I must be within range. It was then when Sam Stosur asked me to play with the goal of Olympics in mind the following year that I realized I was maybe a good chance.
What is it like training and competing as a team?
It’s the best feeling in the world. As a kid I played soccer and I honestly loved soccer way more then tennis. I thrive in a team environment. I like to make jokes and I like to work with others towards a common goal. You can encourage one another, grow together and have a shared experience. So in tennis I think that’s naturally why I enjoyed doubles more and was more comfortable and confident on the doubles court. You then couple that with team events like the Olympics and it’s amazing. Your team grows from 2 to a nation and that’s super special.
Does the Olympic stage make you nervous or do you think of it as just another tournament?
I think you would be lying if you said you aren’t nervous. Usually as a tennis player if you lose it’s mostly only affects you. But when you play for something bigger than yourself I think you feel more responsible to not let others down. I think nervous show that you care but as long as you can deal with them in the right way it can be a good thing.
Do you feel confident on the clay after Roland Garros or would you have preferred a different surface?
I didn’t have the best clay court season this year but to be honest last year I made semi finals at Roland Garros so I know I’m capable of doing well on the clay. If I had a choice I’d prefer hard or grass over clay but Dasha and I have done well on clay together and I actually like our dynamic on this surface as a pairing
Do you have any extracurricular activities planned in Paris?
I would love some other sports. That’s something I wasn’t able to do in Tokyo. I think high on my list is swimming, gymnastics and maybe even skateboarding as something different. My parents are also in town so I wouldn’t love to catch up with them one night. I don’t get to see them often so I think it’s special they’re here for this moment
Are croissants allowed or do you have to wait until the closing ceremony?
Croissants washed down with a coffee from our baristas in the village is definitely allowed and a must. I’m always one to enjoy the little things and moments. The journey needs to be enjoyable within moderation of course but if I was to be so strict on things like that I wouldn’t enjoy what I do.
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Tennis NSW and the tennis community will be cheering Ellen and Team Australia on, and wish them all the best at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The entire country will be watching and supporting.
The Olympic Tennis event will start at 12.00pm on Saturday 27 July across 12 match courts including Roland Garros’ three prized stadium courts – Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen and Simonne Matheiu.
Men’s and women’s singles and men’s and women’s doubles will commence on the first day of play. The mixed doubles will commence on Monday 29 July.
Don’t forget to tag her @ellenperez95
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